Lando Norris sets pace in Abu Dhabi as Charles Leclerc hit with 10-place penalty
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Lando Norris set the practice pace and McLaren were handed a further boost in their bid to secure the Formula One constructors’ championship as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was hit with a 10-place grid penalty in Abu Dhabi. The British team, bidding to win the title for the first time since 1998, hold a 21-point lead over Ferrari heading into this weekend’s season finale. Realistically, the Scuderia – chasing their first crown since 2007 – will need a one-two finish on Sunday to overhaul McLaren but the chances of that happening were dealt a major blow when Leclerc’s penalty was confirmed after Friday’s opening practice session. Ferrari lined up with Leclerc’s brother Arthur standing in for Sainz in FP1, making them the first brothers in F1 history to take part in a session for the same team.