Overview
- The drivers' championship will be settled in Abu Dhabi with Norris on 408 points, Max Verstappen on 396 and Oscar Piastri on 392.
- CEO Zak Brown said McLaren will impose team orders if race circumstances leave only one driver with a realistic title shot.
- McLaren limited Norris and Piastri to the official FIA press conference, with Sky F1’s Rachel Brookes confirming no other media access this weekend.
- Norris conceded he has the most to lose and said the title would mean everything, Verstappen framed the finale as a bonus opportunity, and Piastri declined to commit on yielding without clear instructions.
- Late-season setbacks for McLaren, including both cars’ Las Vegas disqualification and a Qatar strategy error, tightened the points and kept Verstappen in contention.