LANDO NORRIS set the practice pace and McLaren were handed a further boost in their bid to secure the Formula One constructors’ championship today 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 today’s opening practice session.