Overview
- Lando Norris enters Abu Dhabi on 408 points to Max Verstappen’s 396 and Oscar Piastri’s 392, with official permutations confirming a podium guarantees Norris the championship.
- Reuters’ scenarios detail paths for the chasers: Verstappen takes the title with a win if Norris is off the podium, and Piastri needs at least second with specific results for rivals to prevail.
- McLaren’s double disqualification in Las Vegas and a strategy error in Qatar helped keep Verstappen in contention despite all three title rivals being tied on seven wins this season.
- Kimi Antonelli says his late Qatar off was a mistake after claims he let Norris by; Mercedes has engaged the FIA over the abuse directed at the rookie as Red Bull expressed regret over the backlash.
- Analysts outline plausible final-lap team-order scenarios in which McLaren could ask Piastri to concede position to Norris, while Red Bull has confirmed its 2026 reshuffle with Isack Hadjar promoted and Yuki Tsunoda moving to a reserve role.