Between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, it’s already a duel in the first Abu Dhabi free practice session

The great duel for the world title has already begun in the first free practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, at least as far as Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are concerned.

The McLaren Briton in fact set the fastest time but the reigning world champion Dutchman trailed him by just 8 thousandths in his Red Bull.

Third was the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc, 16 thousandths behind Norris, the younger brother of the Monegasque Arthur placed 16th at 875 thousandths from the top: a good performance then for the 25-year-old who took Lewis Hamilton’s place in this session.

Not on track was Oscar Piastri, the third duelist for the title, who gave way to Mexican Patricio O’Ward, who finished 16th. The world standings see Norris in the lead with 12 points over Verstappen and 16 over Piastri.