Overview
- Lando Norris enters the finale on 408 points, with Max Verstappen on 396 and Oscar Piastri on 392, and 25 points available for the race winner.
- McLaren has simulated endgame scenarios and is prepared to instruct position swaps if required to secure the drivers’ title, softening its usual let-them-race approach.
- At Thursday’s press conference, Norris said he would not ask Piastri for help, Piastri said expectations had not been set, and Verstappen described himself as relaxed and proud of Red Bull’s second‑half recovery.
- FP1 at Yas Marina saw Norris top the times by 0.008s from Verstappen, while Piastri did not run as McLaren fielded Pato O’Ward to fulfill rookie-session obligations.
- Kimi Antonelli detailed the online abuse he received after Qatar; Mercedes submitted a dossier to the FIA, which condemned the attacks, and Red Bull issued an apology as the rookie vowed to run his own race.