Overview
- Standings before the decider are Norris 408 points, Verstappen 396 and Piastri 392, with 25 points available on Sunday.
- Lando Norris led both FP1 and FP2 at Yas Marina with Max Verstappen close behind, while Oscar Piastri was off the pace after Pato O’Ward drove his car in FP1.
- A tense FP2 moment featured Norris radioing that they were “risking a crash” with Verstappen, and no investigation was launched.
- Multiple reports say McLaren has rehearsed contingency team orders after a double disqualification in Las Vegas and strategy errors in Qatar tightened the title race.
- Title math published by outlets shows a podium guarantees Norris the crown, Verstappen likely needs to win with Norris no higher than fourth, and Piastri’s path hinges on victory with Norris sixth or worse.