Overview
- Lando Norris enters Yas Marina 12 points ahead of Max Verstappen and 16 clear of Oscar Piastri, and any top-three finish guarantees him a first world title.
- Sky F1’s Rachel Brookes said McLaren has limited both drivers to the mandatory FIA press conference to help them focus, after reports of broader media bans.
- Team principal Andrea Stella said the goal is to beat Verstappen with one of the McLarens, and the team maintains both drivers start the weekend free to race.
- The Times reported that senior McLaren figures have discussed potential position swaps if Piastri is no longer in contention, though the team has not confirmed such plans.
- Norris said he would not ask Piastri to move aside, Piastri declined to pre-commit, and Verstappen called team orders a logical tool if a title depends on them; McLaren has already secured the constructors’ crown after recent setbacks kept the drivers’ race close.