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Oscar Piastri sidelined as McLaren makes shocking Abu Dhabi GP FP1 announcement

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
December 2, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Oscar Piastri sidelined as McLaren makes shocking Abu Dhabi GP FP1 announcement

Formula One F1 - Dutch Grand Prix - Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands - August 31, 2025 McLaren's Oscar Piastri celebrates after winning the Dutch Grand Prix REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw

Title: Shocking Shake-Up! Oscar Piastri Benched as McLaren Makes Bold Move for Abu Dhabi GP

In a stunning turn of events, McLaren has confirmed that Oscar Piastri will be sidelined for the opening practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community. The current regulations mandate that each team must field a rookie driver in four FP1 sessions throughout the 2025 season, and with Piastri only having stepped aside once this year, it’s now his turn to make way for a fresh face.

With the championship on the line, Lando Norris, the championship leader, has already missed two FP1 sessions in Austria and Mexico. Piastri, who had been eyeing his first world championship, will now watch from the sidelines as he prepares to face the pressure of the Yas Marina Circuit—one of the most demanding tracks in the calendar. His replacement? None other than IndyCar sensation and McLaren’s long-serving test/reserve driver, Pato O’Ward.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Piastri. After a rollercoaster season that saw him rise to championship contention, his recent dip in performance coincided with Norris’s resurgence, completely altering the title race dynamics. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen has been on a tear, clinching five wins in the last eight races and capitalizing on McLaren’s costly strategy blunders in Qatar. The stakes are high as the three-way championship battle reaches its climax in Abu Dhabi.

As it stands, Norris leads the standings with a slender 12-point margin over Verstappen, while Piastri trails by 16 points. Verstappen, the only champion among the trio, is gunning for a fifth consecutive title, adding to the drama of this high-stakes showdown.

For Piastri, the lost hour of practice could prove critical. However, he must cling to the hope that his familiarity with the Yas Marina Circuit will mitigate the setback. In the meantime, McLaren is optimistic about the insights O’Ward will bring to the table, as he expressed confidence in his growing understanding of F1 machinery.

“I better understand what the car likes now,” O’Ward remarked, shedding light on his evolution as a driver. “Every car has its unique preferences, and you’re constantly exploring what works best. The simulator provides a taste, but nothing compares to the real sensations you experience on track.”

As the countdown to the Abu Dhabi GP intensifies, the tension is palpable. Will Piastri’s absence from FP1 affect his title aspirations? Can Norris fend off the relentless pressure from Verstappen? And will O’Ward deliver the data McLaren desperately needs? This thrilling chapter in the F1 saga is far from over, and all eyes will be on the Yas Marina Circuit as the drivers battle it out for glory.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-mclaren-f1-championshipLando Norrismax-verstappen-enOscar Piastri
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