Piastri leads McLaren one-two in final Abu Dhabi practice

ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/ AFP

Oscar Piastri led a McLaren one-two in final practice for a season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that could crown the team Formula One constructors' world champions for the first time since 1998.

The Australian put down a best time of one minute 23.433 seconds, 0.193 quicker than teammate Lando Norris who was fastest on Friday in another one-two.

Seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton lapped third fastest, 0.390 off the pace, in his last practice session for Mercedes before moving to Ferrari next year.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen, his fourth title secured in Las Vegas last month, was fourth quickest but 0.411 slower than Piastri.

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz was fifth and teammate Charles Leclerc, who has a 10 place grid penalty for Sunday's race, only ninth.

"We are nowhere. Nowhere," said Leclerc over the radio.

Mercedes' George Russell was sixth, ahead of Haas pair Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen. Red Bull's Sergio Perez completed the top 10.

McLaren are 21 points clear of Ferrari with 44 remaining to be won on Sunday, when conditions will be cooler with the start much later than practice.

"I think we’re really starting to get a picture of the situation out there. McLaren are in a league of their own and then it’s close behind," Mercedes' retired 2016 champion Nico Rosberg told Sky Sports television.

"Lewis has a great chance to finish on a high here, at the moment."

Australian Jack Doohan, making his race debut for Alpine, was a respectable 14th with team mate Pierre Gasly 13th and only 0.026 quicker.

More from Sports

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Business Breakfast

    6:00am - 10:00am

    The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.

  • The Agenda

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!