McLaren Confirms Team Orders Strategy for F1 Finale; Three Drivers Absent from Dinner Gathering

In a rare final-day showdown, Formula 1 gears up for its title decider in Abu Dhabi featuring Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen in contention for the championship, marking the first such scenario in 15 years.

The outcome of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will determine if Norris or Piastri can thwart Verstappen’s bid for a fifth consecutive F1 drivers’ title. Norris holds a comfortable 12-point lead over Verstappen, with McLaren teammate Piastri trailing four points further behind.

During the practice sessions, Norris excelled by setting the pace in FP1, while Piastri faced a tougher challenge in FP2, finishing 11th. McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, confirmed the team’s readiness to implement team orders on race day if it aids Norris or Piastri’s championship quest over Verstappen.

As the stage is set for the grand finale, attention now shifts to tomorrow’s qualifying session where Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri will aim to make their mark in the title showdown.

For more updates on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, visit the Mirror Sport F1 page. Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion to the championship battle between Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen.