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George Russell was fastest in a tight final practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with the three title contenders closely matched ahead of qualifying later on Saturday.
Lando Norris was just 0.004s slower than Russell but quickest of the trio looking to win the championship with Max Verstappen 0.124s off the pace in third and Oscar Piastri in fifth.
A dramatic session also saw Lewis Hamilton crash at high speed, so Ferrari have a race against time to get his car repaired for the all-important qualifying at 2pm UK time (build-up from 1.15pm) on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports F1.
The last 10 races in Abu Dhabi have been won from pole and Norris has consistently been quickest of the title protagonists, having topped both of Friday’s sessions.
A podium for Norris in Sunday’s race will guarantee he is F1 world champion for the first time, regardless of where Verstappen and Piastri finish.
“Lando seems to be under control so far, the pressure is not there yet totally but that has been impressive,” said Sky Sports F1‘s Nico Rosberg.
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Lando Norris nearly crashes into ‘dawdling’ Red Bull during third practice at Abu Dhabi.
Norris nearly collided with Yuki Tsunoda early in final practice when the Red Bull driver was going slowly in the middle of the track towards Turn 11.
It forced Norris to take avoiding action and run wide in what could have been a costly shunt before qualifying.
Another incident involved Tsunoda again, this time in the pit lane as Mercedes released Kimi Antonelli into the path of Tsunoda.
More to follow….
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Mercedes are being investigated for an unsafe release in the pit lane as Kimi Antonelli makes contact with Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda.
Sky Sports F1’s Abu Dhabi GP schedule
Saturday December 6
1.15pm: Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying build-up*
2pm: ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
4pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
Sunday December 7
9.10am: F2 Feature Race
11am: Grand Prix Sunday: Abu Dhabi GP build-up*
1pm: THE ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX*
3pm: Chequered Flag: Abu Dhabi GP reaction*
4pm: 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 1pm (build-up from 11am). Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
