Oscar Piastri on top as McLaren set the pace in Abu Dhabi

Piastri and team-mate Lando Norris set the two fastest times in final practice.
Oscar Piastri on top as McLaren set the pace in Abu Dhabi

By Scott Hunt, PA

McLaren continued to set the pace with another one-two in the final practice session of the 2024 Formula One season in Abu Dhabi.

Oscar Piastri had the edge over team-mate Lando Norris as Saturday’s action began, a reversal of the order of McLaren’s one-two in second practice on Friday.

The British team are battling Ferrari to claim the constructors’ championship this weekend, holding a 21-point lead over the Scuderia.

Norris, who is eight points clear of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in the race to finish second in the drivers’ standings, was just under two tenths adrift of Piastri.

Lewis Hamilton finished third fastest ahead of his final qualifying session as a Mercedes driver, with Max Verstappen fourth ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.

Leclerc, who will have a 10-pace grid penalty for Sunday’s race after Ferrari changed his battery pack on Friday, could only post the ninth-fastest time.

Qualifying gets under way at 1400 GMT.

More in this section

The Ballygunner team ahead of the match 18/1/2026 Sunday Sport: Ballygunner win hurling final, Denise O'Sullivan scores on Liverpool debut
Shane Lowry blows one-shot lead to lose Dubai Invitational to Nacho Elvira Shane Lowry blows one-shot lead to lose Dubai Invitational to Nacho Elvira
Virgil van Dijk expected to hold Liverpool players’ meeting after Burnley draw Virgil van Dijk expected to hold Liverpool players’ meeting after Burnley draw

Sponsored Content

Turning risk into reward: Top business risks in 2026 Turning risk into reward: Top business risks in 2026
Top tips to protect Ireland's plant health Top tips to protect Ireland's plant health
River Boyne in County Meath, Ireland. Water matters: protecting Ireland’s most precious resource
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more