The Formula 1 circus has arrived at the stunning Yas Marina Circuit, where anticipation is running high for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Under the warm desert lights, Friday’s Free Practice 2 session offered teams and fans a tantalizing glimpse into how the grid could shape up for the weekend. McLaren’s Lando Norris surprised many by topping the timesheets, ahead of Red Bull’s usually dominant Max Verstappen, while Norris’ teammate, Oscar Piastri, had his own share of drama.
After a somewhat subdued FP1—populated by plenty of reserve drivers and a still-green track—teams got down to crucial preparation work in FP2. The cooler evening conditions, which mimic those expected for qualifying and the race, made FP2 particularly important. McLaren seized the moment, with Norris setting a blistering lap of 1:24.609 on soft tyres, edging ahead of Verstappen by just over two hundredths of a second. This marked a real statement of intent from Norris and the Woking-based squad as they look to end the season strongly and build momentum heading into 2025.
The session wasn’t without drama. Oscar Piastri, having been on a promising run of form, brushed the wall lightly with his McLaren—an incident that cost him his session’s momentum, though he managed to escape serious damage. Meanwhile, the likes of George Russell in the Mercedes and Charles Leclerc for Ferrari were closely matched, showcasing just how tight the midfield—and even the front—is at Yas Marina. As has been the case all season, the margins are razor-thin among the top teams, promising a nail-biter ahead.
While Norris led the pack, all eyes remained on Verstappen. The reigning world champion was vocal about issues with traffic and grip, never quite managing a faultless lap. Still, his Red Bull looked menacing on the long straights, and it would be unwise to ever discount Verstappen—especially with the team’s impressive record at Yas Marina. However, Norris’s pace sends a clear message: McLaren is willing and able to challenge the established order on a circuit traditionally kinder to Red Bull and Mercedes.
Elsewhere on the time charts, Russell ended the session third, Mercedes showing flashes of pace but still searching for that magic in the long runs. Leclerc slotted into fourth, Ferrari’s car looking balanced, though perhaps not as rapid over a single lap as its direct rivals. Crucially, the Italian squad completed a hefty number of laps—vital for their search for optimum tyre strategy in the high-degradation Yas Marina landscape. Carlos Sainz, returning to the cockpit after sitting out FP1, looked to be regaining his rhythm and will be one to watch as the weekend progresses.
Tire strategy, as always in Abu Dhabi, looms large. Soft compounds offered peak performance in short bursts, but degradation on these proved significant even during the session’s simulated qualifying runs. Most teams mixed their programs, with a keen eye on how the mediums and hards might factor into Sunday’s race. There were clear signs that McLaren’s upgrades, introduced over recent weekends, continue to bear fruit, while Red Bull—though not at full stretch—remain the seasoned favourites in longer stints.
Among outside contenders, Fernando Alonso enjoyed a positive session for Aston Martin, his car showing much improved balance compared to recent races. Williams and AlphaTauri, meanwhile, continued their tight private duel, both squads finding crucial data as they look to snatch any final points of the campaign. Notably, several rookies who participated in FP1—such as Frederik Vesti and Jack Doohan—made way for the regular race drivers, meaning line-up stability and experience look set to play a big part in the next sessions.
What does this all mean for fans? In short, the finale is shaping up for a classic showdown. With Norris and McLaren flexing their muscles, Verstappen and Red Bull seeking retribution, and Ferrari and Mercedes lurking dangerously close, qualifying is poised to be a spectacular chess match. Abu Dhabi rarely disappoints, and judging by Friday’s evidence, the 2023 curtain closer could be one of the best yet.
