Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Lando Norris edges Max Verstappen in first practice of title-decider

Title contenders Lando Norris and Max Verstappen were tied together at the top of the times in first practice at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Norris’ McLaren headed Verstappen’s Red Bull by just 0.008 seconds, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc third and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli fourth.

Norris leads Verstappen by 12 points before the final race of the season and the Briton will be world champion for the first time if he finishes on the podium regardless of any other results.

Verstappen will be champion if he wins the race and Norris is lower than third.

The other title contender, Norris’ team-mate Oscar Piastri, sat out the first session as IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward completed one of McLaren’s mandatory ‘rookie’ runs.