Mercedes drivers spearheaded the F1 Abu Dhabi GP practice as Lewis Hamilton edged title rival Nico Rosberg in the first practice session of the season-ending race on Friday.

Hamilton posted a best lap of 1 minute, 43.476 seconds at the Yas Marina circuit to finish, 0.133 seconds faster than his teammate.

Fernando Alonso, preparing for his final race for Ferrari, 0.1708 seconds behind, was third. Sebastian Vettel, who is leaving Red Bull to replace Alonso at Ferrari next year, was 0.1858 seconds behind in fourth.

There is a second practice scheduled for later Friday, and a third on Saturday before qualifying.

Hamilton, who is bidding for his second F1 title, leads Rosberg by 17 points. But with double points available in Sunday's race, the German driver can secure his maiden F1 title if he wins and Hamilton finishes third.

Mercedes has dominated the competition this season, winning 15 of 18 races and securing 17 pole positions so far.

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