2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – McLAREN Practice Report "A decent first day in Abu Dhabi"

Yas Marina Circuit, Friday, 5 December

Hear from McLaren Formula 1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and Team Principal Andrea Stella, after Free Practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

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FP1 1m24.485s 28 laps 1st
FP2 1m23.083s 28 laps 1st

"A decent first day in Abu Dhabi, although there's still a little bit more to find in the car. I'm not completely happy with it just yet, but overall, it's been a positive day. Nothing to smile about just yet, as we know it gets closer as the weekend goes on, but a good starting point." 

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FP2 1m23.763s (+0.680s) 29 laps 11th

“A shorter day for me today, but lots of learning in FP2. The car was in a good window, we just need to make a few tweaks overnight. I was finding my feet towards the end, so we’ll review overnight and head into Quali day in a strong position.” 

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FP1 1m25.246s (+0.761s) 28 laps 14th

"It was exciting to be back in the car and help the team put our best foot forward, going into what is probably the most important Sunday of the year for the team with Lando and Oscar competing for the Championship. We completed the run plan well, helping Oscar set up the car. Thanks to the team for the opportunity this afternoon, I’m excited to get back in the car on Tuesday for the test.” 

Andrea Stella

“A reasonable start to the final weekend of the season, completing the plan across both Free Practice sessions as we intended. 

“Oscar was back at the wheel for FP2 and was able to find his references in terms of single lap performance, high fuel running and the tyre behaviour. I’m sure he will be completely ready going into tomorrow when the sessions become competitive.  

“Lando was a bit more comfortable in the second session, but as always, Abu Dhabi, the last race of the year, shows that the field is extremely tight. Therefore, we appreciate the competition and need to make sure that we continue to work hard to execute a perfect weekend. 

“Well done to Pato for his second session in the MCL39, completing our fourth mandatory young driver appearance of the season. He drove very well, delivering all the information that we required to get the initial readings of the car.”