Max Verstappen: Leads Abu Dhabi Opening Practice

Verstappen had the early edge over Lewis Hamilton on Formula 1's most dramatic race weekend in living memory, as he topped first practice for the season-ending, title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the heavily revised Yas Marina Circuit, Formula1.com reports.

Analysis:

The Red Bull Racing star took to the revised Abu Dhabi circuit and laid down a lap of 1:25.009 on soft tires. That put Verstappen two-tenths clear of Valtteri Bottas at second-fastest overall. This session was an exploratory of the new layout. We expect lap times to continue dropping as drivers get more acquainted with the new configuration.