🔗 Share this article

After a pivotal victory at the Qatar Grand Prix, the reigning world champion has substantially narrowed the deficit in the championship standings. Now sitting just 12 points behind leader Lando Norris and ahead of teammate his McLaren rival, everything is in place for a nail-biting three-way season finale at the famous Yas Marina Circuit.

A Triumph Crafted by Strategy and Seizing Opportunity.

Verstappen's Qatar win was anything but predictable. Even though he delivered a superb drive for Red Bull, the result was heavily influenced by a costly strategic call from the Woking-based team. Opting not to pit during an initial safety car period, the team presented the initiative to Verstappen, who pounced without hesitation.

"I'm looking forward to it, I'm eager to go there and have a go at it," the driver said. "I go in there with just good vibes. I will give everything I can but at the same time, if I don't win it, I still know that I had an amazing season."

This philosophy according to him alleviates the weight of expectation. His focus for the ultimate battle is clear: to extract every single element from himself and the car.

A Stunning Resurgence Fueled by Innovation and Unity.

The incredible part of this championship charge particularly notable is how far he has recovered. Following the Dutch Grand Prix in August, he was a staggering over a century of points behind the championship leader Oscar Piastri and had essentially conceded his championship hopes.

The shift began with major technical upgrades introduced by Red Bull at the Monza. Modifications to the vehicle's underbody and aerodynamic package finally addressed long-standing balance issues, allowing Verstappen to feel comfortable with the car once more.

From then on, his performance has been nothing short of formidable, securing five victories and multiple podiums. He was eager to credit the collective effort behind this resurgence.

"We have triumphed where maybe we shouldn't have, by making the right call as a unit," he explained. "The partnership with my engineer, GP and the whole team... we are really well integrated."

The Stakes for a Memorable Finale.

Ahead of the travel to Abu Dhabi, the points situation is perfectly defined.

• Lando Norris can secure his maiden world title if he finishes ahead of both Verstappen and Piastri or takes a place on the rostrum.
• The challenger must win and hope that his rival places fourth or lower.
• The third contender, trailing by 16 points, has to win the race and witness Norris finish sixth or worse.

The spotlight now shifts on McLaren, who have let a big points cushion evaporate due to unfortunate events, including a double disqualification in Las Vegas. In his view, this position creates an atmosphere of liberation, turning the ultimate Grand Prix into a straight shot at the title with zero pressure.