Formula 1 point leader Lando Norris turned the fastest lap during Friday’s second practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit.
The McLaren driver turned a gest lap 1 minute and 23.083 seconds to take his spot at the top of the leader board, a mere .363 seconds ahead of four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
Norris leads Verstappen by a mere 12 points heading into the last race of the world driving championship campaign.
Norris must secure a podium finish to secure the championship regardless of what Verstappen does on Sunday.
Norris admitted that he does not yet feel as comfortable as he would like aboard his MCL39.
“I mean obviously from the times and everything, things look good at the minute, but I still want a bit more from the car,” Norris said. “I’m not completely happy, not completely confident.
“We’re a bit in the middle of trying some different things and trying to understand some things with the car. Hopefully there’s some more stuff we can get out of it overnight.
“It’s not been a bad day, for sure, it’s been a positive day, but we always know it gets a lot closer going into quali, so nothing to smile about just yet.”
Verstappen was second, with Mercedes racer George Russell third.
Oliver Bearman opened eyes with a fourth-place run for Haas F1, while Nico Hulkenberg completed the top five in a Kick Sauber entry.
