Lando Norris has "the most to lose" in the F1 finale in Abu Dhabi

Beneath a facade of detachment, the three contenders for the title met before the start of the 2025 season final. Formula 1 As tensions rise over who will take home the trophy on Sunday after the race, with four titles to his name, Max Verstappen approaches the final round of the season with serenity. I am very relaxed. says the pilot Red Bull. I have nothing to lose and I'm just enjoying being here. Trailing the championship leader by 104 points – at the time Oscar piastri – After the Dutch Grand Prix, Max Verstappen made a spectacular comeback. More than ever in the fight, he openly threatens the drivers' title chances. McLaren.

The Dutchman, who at one time claimed to have given up his hopes of winning the title, is savoring the present moment all the more. “I enjoyed the second half of the season, working with the team, how we managed to bounce back after difficult times, having real debriefings after the races, being very disappointed and frustrated by our performances, and then enjoying it again, smiling,” recalls the four-time world champion. Going back to those victories is fantastic. Everything here is a bonus, being here fighting for the title. That's also what makes things very simple for me. I'm just going to try and enjoy it. »

For his part, Oscar Piastri saw his season take a dramatic turn in Mexico, where he lost the championship lead he had held since the Saudi round. He thus starts the season 16 points behind his teammate. Lando Norris, at the top of the Drivers' standings. I'm relaxed. I've already been on the other side of the battle for the championship in the junior categories and I know what it's like. It was quite difficult. he says. Coming here with the least to lose among the three of us is quite different for me.

His comeback in Qatar, however, reignited his hopes. After his crash in Baku, Azerbaijan, Piastri found setups better suited to his style – particularly in terms of grip – and returned to the front of the field. Two pole positions (Sprint and Race) and a victory later, the McLaren driver arrives in Abu Dhabi with renewed confidence. “After Qatar, I have a lot of confidence in my ability to perform well,” declares number 81. Obviously, a number of things need to happen this weekend for me to be champion, but I'm just going to make sure I'm in the right place at the right time and see what happens. »

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Lando Norris: I have the most to lose because I'm in the lead »

Last year, Lando Norris was close behind Max Verstappen in the standings without ever seriously challenging him. This year, he heads into the final round as the championship leader for the first time in his Formula 1 career. The number 4 driver is thus aiming for his first world title. I've never been in this situation before, so it's quite different for both of us. For now, I feel fine. I don't think about it at all until you keep asking me about it, so I try to avoid you as much as possible. the Briton jokes. It's exactly the same, and I think it will stay the same on the track, just like it has been these past few weeks. Despite the pressure of the last few weeks, I've felt comfortable. I always feel good in the car. »

Behind this apparent nonchalance, Norris knows better than anyone what's at stake this weekend. I have the most to lose because I'm in the lead. I'll do my best to stay there until the end. If things don't go my way, then I'll try again next year. It'll probably sting a little for a while, but hey, that's life. I'll keep going and try to do better next season. I also feel like I have the mentality of 'I have nothing to lose'Because it's just one race for a championship. In 30 years, I probably won't think about it much either. I'll do my best. If it happens, great. If not, I'll try again next year. »

In short, among the three drivers feigning indifference, none seem entirely unfazed by the stakes. Max Verstappen remains the only one to have already tasted victory, but does this attitude appear too nonchalant for the McLaren drivers given the magnitude of the task? On track at Yas Marina, the three protagonists will need to maintain this same composure to face the battle that awaits them. That is, if it is a genuine one. Join us on December 7th for live text coverage on AUTOhebdo to follow the outcome of this fierce fight.

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