Lando Norris Aims for Abu Dhabi GP Victory Despite Podium Being Enough for F1 Title

However, the McLaren driver has made it clear his objective for Sunday is not just to secure the championship, but to win the race and defeat Max Verstappen in a head-to-head battle.

[Image of Yas Marina Circuit Layout]

The Championship Scenario

Norris leads the drivers’ standings with 408 points, 12 ahead of Verstappen and 16 clear of his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. The mathematics are simple: if Norris finishes in the top three at Yas Marina, he will be crowned world champion.

Driver	Team	Points	Gap
1. Lando Norris	McLaren	408	–
2. Max Verstappen	Red Bull	396	-12
3. Oscar Piastri	McLaren	392	-16

Even if Verstappen wins the race, Norris’ points advantage and superior count of second-place finishes this season ensure he cannot be overtaken in the standings if he secures a podium. Yet, despite the safety net, Norris is not content with merely finishing on the podium.

“I still want to try and win tomorrow, so that’s going to be the goal.”

Verstappen’s Challenge

Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, starts from pole position and needs to win the race while hoping Norris finishes fourth or lower to snatch the title. Verstappen’s recent form—five wins in his last eight races—has injected drama into the championship, but the Dutchman faces an uphill battle.

The Yas Marina Circuit is notoriously difficult for overtaking, and with Verstappen starting ahead, Norris will need to rely on strategy, tire management, and perhaps a bit of luck to overtake the Red Bull.

Piastri’s Outside Chance

Oscar Piastri remains mathematically in contention, but his path to the title is far more complex. The Australian would need to win the race and hope Norris finishes sixth or lower, a scenario that seems unlikely given McLaren’s recent form. Piastri, who qualified third, acknowledged the difficulty but remains focused on his own performance.

What to Expect on Race Day

• Norris’ Strategy: McLaren will likely prioritize a clean, error-free race. However, if Norris gets a strong start, expect an aggressive push to overtake Verstappen early.
• Verstappen’s Approach: Red Bull will aim to control the race from the front, using Verstappen’s pole advantage to build a gap. The team’s recent resurgence means they will leave nothing to chance.
• Team Dynamics: Norris has ruled out asking Piastri to move aside, emphasizing fair competition within the team.

Historical Context

This three-way title decider is the first since 2010, when four drivers entered the final race with a chance at the championship. The 2025 season has been one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, with Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri each winning seven races. The championship will be decided by fine margins, and every lap will count.