Title contenders Lando Norris and Max Verstappen were tied together at the top of the times in first practice at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Norris’ McLaren headed Verstappen’s Red Bull by just 0.008 seconds, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli third and fourth.
Norris leads Verstappen by 12 points at the final race of the season and the Briton will be world champion for the first time if he finishes on the podium regardless of any other results.
Verstappen will be champion if he wins the race and Norris is lower than third.
The other title contender, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, sat out the first session as McLaren IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward completed one of the team’s mandatory ‘rookie’ runs.
