For the primary time in 15 years, F1 could have a title deciding race between two or extra drivers, with Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri battling it out for the championship on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Norris had an opportunity to wrap up his first title in Qatar, however a fourth place end with Verstappen’s win and Piastri’s second meant the trio had simply 16 factors, with 25 factors obtainable on the Yas Marina circuit.
Norris stays the clear favourite to win the championship, as he presently holds a 12-point benefit over Verstappen. Which means that a podium end will assure him the title, irrespective of how his different two opponents carry out. It is best to look past that straightforward equation and give attention to what your rival should do to have an opportunity of stopping him.
A top-three end is crucial for Verstappen. Even when he had been tied with Norris (12 factors for 4th place), 4th place wouldn’t be sufficient to turn into the champion as he would lose on the countback from a 2nd place end.
Due to this fact, for Verstappen to turn into champion, he should:
- If Verstappen wins the race, Norris will end 4th or decrease.
- If Verstappen finishes 2nd, Norris will end eighth or decrease and Piastri won’t win.
- If Verstappen finishes third, Norris will end ninth or beneath and Piastri won’t win.
The problem is even increased for Piastri, who must end within the high two to have any probability of changing into champion, given his 16-point hole with Norris.
For Piastri to win the title, he should:
- If Piastri wins the race, Norris will end sixth or decrease.
- If Piastri finishes 2nd, Norris will end tenth or decrease and Verstappen 4th or decrease.
If Norris finishes inside the highest 5, Piastri shall be robotically eradicated, but when the Dutchman wins the race, Norris might beat Piastri in fifth or fourth place and nonetheless lose to Verstappen.
