McLaren recommends a "cautious start" to its drivers

The final is approaching, and the tension is rising in Abu Dhabi. Only one of the three contenders for the world championship title will be crowned at the end of a race whose outcome is impossible to predict. On one side, Max Verstappen, pole sitter for the race, trailing the championship leader by 12 points. On the other side, the drivers McLaren, Lando Norris – league leader – and Oscar piastriThe last remaining contender for the title, who trails his teammate by 16 points. The two men will start 2nd and 3rd on the grid.

All the elements are in place for a turbulent start. Yet, analyzing the scene set by Qualifying, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella confides that he expects a calm start, at least from his drivers.

“I think that from Lando’s point of view, given the inside of the first corner in Abu Dhabi, he will be relatively cautious,” the Italian told the website of the Formula 1. It's one of those corners where, from the inside, you don't necessarily get the best exit, and where the car on the outside can get close. So I think he'll be quite cautious, which I would certainly recommend to Lando!

He pursues : "He's in a very good position from that point of view. I think that's the right approach. As for the options Max has to try and play his cards right, honestly, I'm not too worried. I think we'll see an interesting race. But I'm sure it will all be within the bounds of sportsmanship and fairness."

Verstappen to slow down McLaren?

The first corner of the first lap almost cost McLaren the constructors' title last year, as Verstappen and Piastri collided at the start of the 2024 edition. Another option considered by Stella: Verstappen will try to push Norris and Piastri into the clutches of the chasing pack.

A strategy reminiscent of that Lewis Hamilton in 2016, when engaged in the fight for the title against his teammate Nico Rosberg, for a decisive final contested on the same circuit.

"I think we have an advantage, Andrea Stella adds. We have more options to play. At a certain point, if you slow down too much, you risk being attacked. You risk being overtaken. So I think it's a good thing that we're here with two cars. That's the position I would take. Rather than having the two cars separated on the track.

Who will be crowned world champion: Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, or Max Verstappen? Find out this Sunday. The final race of the 2025 Formula 1 season, in Abu Dhabi, will start at 14:00 PM (French time). AUTOhebdo will give you a meeting from 1pm, to follow the event with live commentary.

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