Lando Norris threw down the gauntlet in Friday’s practice as the McLaren driver began his bid for the world championship title at the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix.

Two days ahead of what promises to be a mouthwatering title-decider at the majestic Yas Marina Circuit, Norris produced the fastest laps in both practice sessions.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen, hoping to become only the second driver in history after the iconic Michael Schumacher to win five world titles in a row, recorded the second fastest time on Friday.

Norris was in complete control, with his car being 0.008 quicker in the afternoon session and 0.363 faster in the evening session under the floodlights.

The 26-year-old British driver, who has a 12-point advantage over Verstappen in the drivers’ standings, will hope to continue the momentum when the drivers return to race for the pole position on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri, Norris’s McLaren teammate and the third contender for the drivers’ title who is four points behind Verstappen, was 11th in the evening practice session after opting out of the afternoon session.

"Oscar is not totally dialled in yet, but he will get there," said McLaren boss Zak Brown. "I've been impressed with both of our drivers coming into the weekend; they seem more relaxed than normal."

Among the other drivers, Mercedes' George Russell, recorded the third fastest time in the evening session while Haas's Oliver Bearman was fourth.

In the first practice session, only 11 regular drivers, including Norris, took part as the teams opted to give an opportunity to their youngsters.

Thrilling finale

Thousands of fans poured into Yas Marina as the drivers began their final preparations for the big day.

F1 aficionados could not have hoped for a more thrilling finish with Norris, Verstappen and Piastri all having a chance to win the biggest prize in the sport.

Among the three, Norris is the big favourite with his sizeable lead.

On the other hand, Verstappen, a four-time winner in Abu Dhabi, must win the race and hope that Norris fails to find a podium finish.

But having won back-to-back races in Las Vegas and Qatar to take the title battle into the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen will be confident of another rousing display of speed, tactics and control.

After all, it was on this stunning race track in Abu Dhabi that the Dutchman won the first of his four world titles in 2021.