F1 Update: Norris hits the ground running in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen “not in a comfortable situation”

Lando Norris topped Friday practice in Abu Dhabi as McLaren started the weekend strongly. Oscar Piastri had a tougher day after giving up his FP1 seat to Pato O’Ward. Max Verstappen finished second, but Helmut Marko called the three-tenths gap to Norris “not a very comfortable situation,” while still expressing confidence that Red Bull can find pace before qualifying. Marko also doubts Mercedes or Ferrari can challenge Norris — pressure Verstappen could use. If that changes on race day, Zak Brown says McLaren is prepared to use team orders if needed, though Piastri won’t be asked to help from the start. Ronald Vording breaks it all down in the latest F1 Update, also touching on Isack Hadjar’s Red Bull promotion, another impressive day for Oliver Bearman, and Sauber’s farewell.