McLaren
Piastri sat out for O’Ward within the opening session, however noticed proceedings intently from the Pit Wall. He watched his deputy have an honest session, preserving issues tidy on each the medium and mushy tyres. However extra necessary was watching Norris go quick – the McLaren clearly has velocity to burn right here, because the Championship chief topped the session. Norris was even faster within the second session, topping the standings by a wholesome margin to get his weekend off to the dream begin. However Piastri struggled, making a mistake on each his flying laps on the mushy tyre. As such, he was left and not using a consultant time on the C5 rubber, which is way from very best on such an important weekend.
Lando Norris – FP1: 1:24.485, P1; FP2: 1:23.083, P1
“A good first day in Abu Dhabi, though there’s nonetheless just a little bit extra to seek out within the automobile. I am not fully pleased with it simply but, however total, it has been a optimistic day. Nothing to smile about simply but, as we all know it will get nearer because the weekend goes on, however a great place to begin.”
Oscar Piastri – FP2: 1:23.763, P11
“A shorter day for me as we speak, however plenty of studying in FP2. The automobile was in a great window, we simply have to make just a few tweaks in a single day. I used to be discovering my ft in the direction of the top, so we’ll assessment in a single day and head into Quali day in a robust place.”
Pato O’Ward – FP1: 1:25.246, P14
“It was thrilling to be again within the automobile and assist the staff put our greatest foot ahead, going into what might be crucial Sunday of the yr for the staff with Lando and Oscar competing for the Championship. We accomplished the run plan nicely, serving to Oscar arrange the automobile. Because of the staff for the chance this afternoon, I’m excited to get again within the automobile on Tuesday for the take a look at.”
Andrea Stella, Workforce Principal
“An affordable begin to the ultimate weekend of the season, finishing the plan throughout each Free Observe classes as we supposed.
“Oscar was again on the wheel for FP2 and was capable of finding his references by way of single lap efficiency, excessive gas working and the tyre behaviour. I’m certain he will probably be fully prepared going into tomorrow when the classes change into aggressive.
“Lando was a bit extra snug within the second session, however as all the time, Abu Dhabi, the final race of the yr, exhibits that the sphere is extraordinarily tight. Subsequently, we admire the competitors and have to ensure that we proceed to work laborious to execute an ideal weekend.
“Properly achieved to Pato for his second session within the MCL39, finishing our fourth obligatory younger driver look of the season. He drove very nicely, delivering all the knowledge that we required to get the preliminary readings of the automobile.”
