What Is At Stake In Abu Dhabi As F1 Championship Title Is Up For Grab

 

It is the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi, where the F1 driver's championship title will be decided between defending champion Max Verstappen and race leader Lando Norris. Also, bear in mind that Oscar Piastri is not totally out of the contest. Everything will count for the trio from the qualifying session to the final race. 

Verstappen won his first F1 title here in Abu Dhabi in 2021. In fact, this race brings back into perspective how the final race unfolded between Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen. Every lap counted, and the race was determined by pit stop, virtual safety, and tyre quality rather than pace. A similar situation played out in Qatar. However, it was not in its entirety. Norris is meant to be comfortable by now, but McLaren's pit strategy was faulty, costing him points. Having to pit after Verstappen indicated that they did not consider Red Bull's antecedent. Verstappen had improved from behind to either win or finish on the podium on many occasions.  He would not lose out only on pace. 

Presently, Norris has shown dominance in the Abu Dhabi practice session, and Verstappen has not been really disappointed, even though he complained about his wheels. The session was yet favourable to Red Bull, considering their antecedent from 2021 in Abu Dhabi. However, for McLaren, all hands should be on deck. Otherwise, beating Verstappen might elude them as the Dutch driver is experienced and aggressive, exploiting an advantage. Piastri and Norris will have to work together. 

McLaren is the defending race champions from last season's final in Abu Dhabi. Norris won the season-ending race last season, but McLaren could only win the Constructors' title, while Verstappen won the driver's title.  In Yas Marina, Norris has shown strength by posting the fastest lap time in the first and second practice sessions. As for Piastri, his first practice was good, but his second was unpleasant as he finished outside the top 10.

McLaren has not won the F1 driver's title since 2008, when Lewis Hamilton won the title for the racing team and the former champion's first F1 title. Verstappen has dominated the title for the past four seasons. Norris will have to win, or at least finish in P2, to secure the title. 

Abu Dhabi GP FP2 Top 10 Result

1. Lando Norris (McLaren).......1:23.083s 

2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

3. George Russell (Mercedes)

4. Oliver Bearman (Haas) 

5. Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber)

6. Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber)

7. Isack Hadjar (racing Bull) 

8. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 

9. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) 

10. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)