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The Formula 1 drivers’ championship is poised for a thrilling conclusion in Abu Dhabi, with a three-way battle set to captivate motorsport fans. Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri are all in contention for the coveted title in the season’s final race.
Briton Lando Norris enters the showdown with a 12-point advantage over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and is 16 points clear of his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. Verstappen, who recently triumphed in Qatar, has an opportunity to equal Michael Schumacher’s remarkable record of five consecutive drivers’ titles should he overcome the points deficit on Sunday.
Millenium TV understands that McLaren is committed to a policy of fairness, ensuring both of its drivers have the opportunity to pursue their championship ambitions. Team Principal Andrea Stella reiterated this stance, stating, “When it comes to the fact that we have two drivers in the quest for the World Championship, our philosophy and our approach will not change.” Stella added that Piastri is “definitely in condition to win the title” and that the team will allow drivers to “race each other,” emphasizing that the primary goal is “to beat Verstappen with one of our two drivers.”
The intricate points scenario means that various race outcomes could dramatically shift the championship. A hypothetical situation, such as Piastri moving aside to allow Norris into a higher position, could secure the title for Norris. Millenium TV has learned that McLaren’s culture prioritizes transparency and thorough pre-race discussions to address such complex scenarios, drawing parallels to historical instances like Ferrari’s strategic pit stop manipulation in 2007 that secured Kimi Raikkonen the title.
Meanwhile, speculation regarding Red Bull’s driver lineup for the 2026 season includes the expected promotion of Isack Hadjar alongside Verstappen. However, industry observers suggest that introducing Hadjar to aid Verstappen’s title bid in the immediate final race of the current season would be an unrealistic expectation, given the immense pressure and unfamiliarity with the car.
Should Verstappen ultimately claim the championship, it could be regarded as one of his most impressive titles, adding to his formidable career. For McLaren, such an outcome would spark debate on how it reflects on their season. Unlike the intense internal strife that plagued the team in 2007, which saw Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso’s rivalry compounded by management issues and a spying scandal, the current season has been characterized by remarkable harmony between Norris and Piastri. Both drivers have publicly expressed a willingness to accept a loss to Verstappen if it means maintaining fair competition within the team.
In a look back at recent events, McLaren’s strategic decision during an early safety car period in Qatar, where they chose not to pit both cars, was a subject of scrutiny. The team boss acknowledged that the potential for Norris to lose time was considered, but the primary reason for the decision was an erroneous belief that other teams would not pit – a miscalculation that significantly impacted their race outcome.
Separately, the evolving landscape of team leadership in Formula 1 is highlighted by Aston Martin’s announcement that Adrian Newey will serve as both Team Principal and Technical Director from 2026. This structure invites comparisons to McLaren’s current setup, where Andrea Stella operates as a “technical team principal,” overseeing multiple technical directors responsible for different aspects of the car. Experts believe that as long as Newey is not overloaded, this consolidated leadership role can be effective, particularly given his singular focus on car performance.
All eyes will now be on Abu Dhabi as the Formula 1 season culminates in what promises to be an unforgettable title decider.
© Millenium TV
