Oscar Piastri will be forced to skip the first free practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a crucial moment for both him and McLaren. In his place, Pato O’Ward will take the wheel, having previously filled in for Lando Norris during the Mexican Grand Prix. For the Australian, who is fighting for the World Championship in the final race, even a Friday session can prove valuable for the weekend.
Piastri showing progress in Qatar
In Qatar, the #81 car regained confidence with its driver. Despite not achieving victory due to a strategic error, Oscar demonstrated that he had the pace to dominate throughout the weekend. Winning the championship remains a challenge, but he is certainly no longer the same Oscar Piastri from previous races.
Pato O’Ward at the wheel in Abu Dhabi
McLaren announced that Pato O’Ward will take Oscar Piastri’s seat for FP1 at Abu Dhabi. The team is required to run two sessions per year with a rookie driver, and this was obviously the final available opportunity.
The Mexican driver shared his thoughts before getting behind the wheel of the MCL39: “We have a very important week ahead as a team. I will do my best to help us get the most out of it and start the weekend on the right foot. I can’t wait to see the outcome on race day, and I will support Lando and Oscar along the way as they strive to make history,” O’Ward said.
McLaren heads into the weekend as constructors’ champions and with both drivers still in title contention – a remarkable position that now comes with one unexpected twist before the lights go out on Sunday night.
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