The Formula 1 season is set for a thrilling conclusion in Abu Dhabi this weekend, with Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri all vying for the coveted drivers’ championship title. Norris, aged 26, currently holds a 12-point lead over Verstappen and a 16-point advantage over his McLaren teammate Piastri.
With 25 points available for a race win and 18 for second place, the championship scenario is finely balanced. Norris needs a podium finish at Yas Marina to guarantee his maiden F1 title. However, the situation could become complex if, for instance, Verstappen wins the race and Norris finishes fourth, potentially costing him the championship.
A key point of discussion revolves around potential team orders. If Piastri were running ahead of Norris in either second or third position, with Verstappen leading, McLaren could theoretically instruct the Australian to let Norris pass. Millenium TV understands that this scenario has been a topic of speculation.
When questioned about such a possibility, Norris stated on Thursday, “It’s not really up to me and I’m not going to ask it. I don’t want to ask it because I don’t think it’s necessarily a fair question.” He added, “I don’t know. It’s up to Oscar if he would allow it, you know?” Despite his reluctance to ask, Norris confirmed that if the roles were reversed and Piastri needed his assistance for the title, he would be prepared to move aside. “Personally, I think I would, just because I feel I’m always like that. That’s just how I am,” he explained.
Piastri, 24, faces a more challenging path to his first drivers’ title, requiring a victory in Sunday’s race and Norris to finish sixth or lower. “It’s not something we have discussed,” Piastri commented, acknowledging his strong performance in Qatar where a strategic misstep by McLaren saw him finish second to Verstappen after being in contention for the win. “Until I know what’s kind of expected, I don’t really have an answer.”
Norris has mounted an impressive comeback after being 34 points behind Piastri following his retirement at the Dutch Grand Prix in August. A string of podium finishes at Monza, Singapore, and Austin, coupled with back-to-back victories in Mexico and Brazil, propelled him back into championship contention. He aims to become the 11th British F1 driver to be crowned world champion.
Verstappen’s resurgence is equally noteworthy. After trailing Piastri by 104 points after the Dutch Grand Prix, the Dutchman has secured five victories since the summer break, including last week’s win in Doha, pulling himself back into the title fight. His clearest path to glory is a win in Abu Dhabi, provided Norris finishes fourth or lower. “I didn’t expect to be in the title fight but here we are,” Verstappen joked, who is on the cusp of equaling Michael Schumacher’s record of five consecutive drivers’ titles. He also mentioned, “Of course, they always support me; my mum always lights a candle before every race weekend. But I guess they trust their son.”
Norris, reflecting on the potential outcome, expressed a gracious perspective. He said that if Verstappen triumphs, he and Piastri will offer congratulations and “look forward to next year.” He concluded, “Doesn’t change anything, doesn’t change my life. So he’ll deserve it over us.”
© Millenium TV
