The pressure is on in Abu Dhabi, with the Formula 1 world drivers’ title up for grabs among three contenders.
Looking at it from the perspective of the McLaren team, things could have been different. Had they avoided the eliminations in Las Vegas, or chosen a more effective strategy in Qatar, they would now be assured of clinching their first world champion since Lewis Hamilton back in 2008.
As it stands, Lando Norris will emerge victorious if he secures a finish of third or higher, while Max Verstappen is trailing by just 12 points and remains a strong contender. Oscar Piastri needs fortune to favor him after the bitter disappointment of missing out on what seemed a certain race victory in Qatar.
James Allen delves into these scenarios, offering insights into the experience of being immersed in a championship battle, drawing parallels to the situation in 2007 when McLaren saw the title slip away from a position quite similar to today’s – featuring insights from former McLaren mechanic, now journalist and commentator, Marc Priestley, who was deeply involved then.
Adding to the discussion is our F1 correspondent, Ronald Vording, providing his expert observations straight from Abu Dhabi.
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– The Autosport.com Team