Australian formula one driver Oscar Piastri of the McLaren Team speaks during a press conference following qualifying at the Lusail International Circuit ahead of the Formula One Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday. David Davies/PA Wire/dpaDPAWed, December 3, 2025 at 11:52 AM UTC·1 min readMcLaren's Oscar Piastri won't participate in the first practice for the season-ending Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix despite still being in the fight for the drivers' championship.
Pato O'Ward is set to drive Piastri's car in first practice so McLaren can complete the requirement of running rookies in two practice sessions per driver, as mandated in the sporting regulations.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAccording to Sky TV expert and former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, Piastri was aware of the situation since the start of the year.
Nevertheless, it's unfavourable and a disadvantage for Piastri, who will miss out on crucial track time.
With seven victories by the end of August, Piastri looked like the top contender for the title this season. Since then, however, he has not won another race and has gone through a slump in results.
As a result, he lost positions in the standings to team-mate Lando Norris and defending champions Max Verstappen of Red Bull.
The final race of the season in Abu Dhabi is set to be a dramatic one. Norris tops the drivers' championships 12 points over Verstappen and 16 over Piastri.
If Norris finishes on the podium at Yas Marina, he will be world champion and it wouldn't matter where his two rivals cross the line.
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