Tomorrow, the attention of motorsport fans will be focused on the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi for the final race of the Formula 1 season. A fierce battle for the Drivers' Championship title is underway between the British duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri of McLaren, and the reigning champion Dutchman Max Verstappen of Red Bull. McLaren has already secured the Constructors' Championship title thanks to the outstanding and consistent performance of its two drivers. Norris leads the Drivers' Championship with 408 points, followed by Verstappen with 396, and Piastri with 392. The results of the first free practice sessions in Abu Dhabi showed that Norris has a strong pace, leading both sessions just ahead of Verstappen, which gives him a significant psychological boost for the upcoming race. The Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi is unique, featuring a mix of slow and fast corners and long straights. Additionally, the race typically starts in daylight and finishes at night, adding an extra challenge for tire management and car balance. Verstappen can clinch the title if he wins the race, provided Norris does not finish in the top three. Piastri can also win the title if he wins and both Norris and Verstappen encounter trouble. Norris could become the 11th British driver to win the Drivers' Championship. This mix makes strategy and tire management a key to victory. Norris had a chance to secure the title at last week's Qatar Grand Prix, but a strategic pit stop error by the McLaren team allowed Verstappen to win, boosting his chances of defending his title. In Qatar, Piastri finished second and Norris fourth. With a gap of only 12 points between leader Norris and Verstappen before the finale, and 16 points between Norris and third-placed Piastri, any result is possible, and any of the three drivers could be champion. Norris can win the title by finishing on the podium in Abu Dhabi. "I don't think it's down to me," Norris added. He said he believes he would have helped Piastri if the roles were reversed, but noted that he has not discussed such scenarios with the team. "Personally, I would do it, just because I've always been like that, it's my nature, but it's not down to me. I'm not going to ask for it, because I don't think the question is necessarily fair," Norris emphasized. Piastri, for his part, said: "We haven't discussed that." Verstappen is the only Dutch driver to have won the title, while Piastri could become the first Australian champion in 45 years. Since the start of the season, the McLaren team has preferred not to interfere in choosing the lead driver between Norris and Piastri, especially as they have both shone throughout the season, leaving the decision to the drivers. However, given the threat posed by Verstappen, one driver might need the help of the other to secure the title, though both have left the door open for this. Norris stated that he will not ask his teammate to cede his position for him to win the championship. "Honestly, I would love that, but I don't think I will ask for it because it's up to Oscar whether he allows it or not. I don't have an answer until I know what is expected of me," he said. "I'm not going to ask."
