Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton exchanges fastest laps with Max Verstappen as Dutchman tops FP1

Max Verstappen topped the grid at the end of the first practice session (FP1) of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton in P3. The highly-anticipated finale between the two drivers is underway at the recently revised Yas Marina Circuit.

Max Verstappen bagged the fastest lap with a time of 1:25.009, while Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton followed closely behind with a total margin of less than 0.4 seconds between the three drivers.

Lewis Hamilton was second-fastest on the board before having his lap time deleted by race control for exceeding track limits at the final corner.

With the championship set to be decided at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, all practice sessions hold great value for Red Bull and Mercedes. Furthermore, the Yas Marina Circuit has been modified this year in an effort to encourage overtaking and intense wheel-to-wheel racing, meaning that teams will rely on practice sessions to get their first realistic idea of the conditions on track.

Here is a full list of the timings from the FP1 session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Friday afternoon:

1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:25.009
2. Valtteri Bottas Mercedes +0.196
3. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes + 0.346
4. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.354
5. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +0.369
6. Fernando Alonso Alpine +0.616
7. Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri +0.813
8. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.837
9. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.877
10. Sebastian Vettel Aston Martin +0.998
11. Esteban Ocon Alpine +1.016
12. Lando Norris McLaren +1.114
13. Kimi Raikkonen Alfa Romeo +1.180
14. Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo +1.400
15. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +1.599
16. Daniel Ricciardo McLaren +1.667
17. Jack Aitken Williams Racing +2.472
18. Nicholas Latifi Williams Racing +2.478
19. Mick Schumacher Haas +2.689
20. Nikita Mazepin Haas +3.296

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Abu Dhabi Grand Prix set to be historic regardless of winner

Dutchman Max Verstappen is currently tied on points with defending champion Lewis Hamilton after the latter whittled away at his deficit, winning three races in a row. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will either see Verstappen win his first title in the sport or Hamilton beat Michael Schumacher's tally of a record seven World Drivers Championships.

Max Verstappen holds a slight advantage over his rival heading into the final race of the season as the Dutchman has won more races this season compared to the Briton. In the case of a double-DNF at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen will automatically be crowned world champion. However, the momentum currently lies with Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes as the defending world champion has won three grands prix in a row, equalling Verstappen in points.

FP2 for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is scheduled for later today, where teams will be trying to top the charts with the hope of winning pole position in qualifying on Saturday.