Overview
- Lando Norris leads the standings on 408 points, with Max Verstappen on 396 and Oscar Piastri on 392 entering the Abu Dhabi weekend.
- Norris can clinch the championship with a podium; Verstappen typically needs a win with Norris finishing fourth or lower, and Piastri most realistically must win with Norris sixth or worse.
- Under the rookie participation rule, Piastri will sit out FP1 as Pato O’Ward drives the McLaren and says he will support both teammates, giving the Australian one hour less preparation.
- Norris said he will not ask Piastri to cede position and both McLaren drivers indicated the team has issued no directives favoring one over the other.
- A recent Formula1.com data error briefly listed Norris as already champion, drawing fan scrutiny, while McLaren has long since secured the Constructors’ Championship.