Piastri to Step Aside for O’Ward in Abu Dhabi FP1

Oscar Piastri will surrender his McLaren seat for the final time this season during free practice one at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Pato O’Ward will take the session as part of Formula 1 regulations that require each team to place a rookie in both cars at least twice per season during the opening practice session. Any team with a full time rookie is exempt for that specific car.

Abu Dhabi will feature seven rookie drivers in free practice one. McLaren, Red Bull Racing, Racing Bulls, Williams, Ferrari, Haas and Aston Martin still must complete their rookie allocations.

Piastri enters the final round with a sixteen point deficit to Lando Norris. The Australian remains in mathematical contention for the title, although he will not take part in the opening session of the weekend.

O’Ward spoke on his role “We have a very important week ahead as a team. I will be doing my best to help us put our best foot forward to kick off the weekend. I’m excited to see what the outcome will be come race day, and will be supporting Lando and Oscar along the way as they push to make history.”

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