Overview
- Lando Norris leads with 408 points and can secure the championship with a podium finish at Yas Marina.
- Max Verstappen must win and needs Norris no higher than fourth, while Oscar Piastri’s path requires a victory with Norris sixth or lower in most scenarios.
- Red Bull figures cite a psychological edge for Verstappen after erasing a 104‑point deficit, adding pressure to McLaren’s title push.
- McLaren’s Qatar Safety Car call and the double disqualification in Las Vegas remain key setbacks highlighted by pundit criticism.
- No team order has been discussed, Norris says he will not ask Piastri to yield, and Piastri will skip FP1 as Patricio O’Ward fulfills the junior‑driver requirement.