P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Piastri sidelined in McLaren switch at Abu Dhabi GP
Due to new F1 rules, Oscar Piastri won’t participate in a full race weekend in Abu Dhabi, being forced to sit out FP1 due to only missing a practice session once in the 2025 season.
A disappointing strategy call in the Qatar Grand Prix cost Piastri a potential win and the opportunity to narrow the championship gap to Lando Norris to nine points.
Piastri now needs to win in Abu Dhabi and have Norris finish sixth or worse to secure the title, a challenging task given Norris has finished below 6th only three times this season.
Piastri will have to watch a rookie driver, likely Pato O’Ward, drive his car in FP1, potentially putting him at a psychological disadvantage if Norris performs well in the session.
In the Qatar Grand Prix, McLaren’s decision not to pit during the safety car period backfired, allowing Max Verstappen to gain a significant advantage through a free pit stop.
Following the race, Piastri expressed disappointment in the team’s strategy and acknowledged the missed opportunity, highlighting the need for improved decision-making in future races.
