Abu Dhabi GP: George Russell edges title contenders Lando Norris and Max Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton crashes out in final practice | F1 News
George Russell was fastest in a tight final practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with the three title contenders very close ahead of qualifying later on Saturday.
Lando Norris was just 0.004 seconds slower than Russell but the fastest of the trio seeking to win the championship with Max Verstappen 0.124 seconds off the pace in third and Oscar Piastri in fifth.
A dramatic session also saw Lewis Hamilton crash at high speed, so Ferrari must race against time to get their car repaired for the all-important moment. qualification to 2:00 p.m. UK time (from 1:15 p.m.) on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports F1.
The last 10 races in Abu Dhabi have been won from pole and Norris has always been the fastest of the title protagonists, having dominated both sessions on Friday.
A podium finish for Norris in Sunday’s race will ensure he is F1 world champion for the first time, regardless of the finish of Verstappen and Piastri.
“Lando seems to be under control so far, the pressure is not fully there yet but it has been impressive,” said Sky Sports F1It’s Nico Rosberg.
Norris nearly collided with Yuki Tsunoda at the start of final practice as the Red Bull driver drove slowly down the middle of the track towards Turn 11.
This forced Norris to take evasive action and move out of the way in what could have been a costly shunt ahead of qualifying.
Another incident involved Tsunoda again, this time in the pit lane as Mercedes released Kimi Antonelli into Tsunoda’s path.
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Mercedes is under investigation for a dangerous release in the pit lane as Kimi Antonelli makes contact with Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda.
Sky Sports F1 Abu Dhabi GP Schedule
Saturday December 6
1:15 p.m.: Preparing for qualifying for the Abu Dhabi GP*
2:00 p.m.: QUALIFYING FOR THE ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX*
4 p.m.: Ted’s qualification log*
Sunday December 7
9:10 a.m.: F2 featured race
11:00 a.m.: Grand Prix Sunday: preparation for the Abu Dhabi GP*
1 p.m.: THE ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX*
3:00 p.m.: Checkered flag: reaction from the Abu Dhabi GP*
4 p.m.: Ted’s notebook
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
The 2025 Formula 1 season concludes with the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend with Sunday’s race at 1 p.m. (prep from 11 a.m.). Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
