He is the best placed of the three competitors still in the race for the world Formula 1 drivers’ title. The only one who has his destiny completely in his hands. But he is also the one on whom the greatest pressure will undoubtedly hang.
Leader of the World Championship for weeks, Lando Norris (McLaren) saw his lead melt away like snow in the sun in the final sprint, notably on a Max Verstappen (Red Bull) who was up like never before. The Dutchman, four-time defending champion, made up for a deficit of more than 100 points in the heart of the summer to be only 12 points behind Norris before the last Grand Prix, this Sunday, in Abu Dhabi.
Norris, who will start in second position just behind Verstappen and just in front of his teammate Oscar Piastri on the starting grid, nevertheless remains completely in control of his destiny since a place on the podium would guarantee him the title, whatever the results of these rivals.
Here are the multiple scenarios that will crown the McLaren driver this Sunday.
This Sunday in Abu Dhabi, Lando Norris will be crowned champion if…
– he climbs onto the podium
– he finishes 4th or 5th and Verstappen does not win
– he finishes 6th or 7th and his two rivals do not win
– he finishes 8th, Piastri does not win and Verstappen does not rank better than 3rd
– he finishes 9th, Piastri does not win and Verstappen is not on the podium
– he finishes 10th or outside the Top 10, Piastri does not do better than 3rd and Verstappen is not on the podium
For Alain Prost, “all three drivers deserve the title” and Norris “is the favorite” because of his status as leader. Answer this Sunday from 2 p.m., a race to follow live with commentary on the parisien.fr website.
