Abu Dhabi cheat sheet: How Norris, Verstappen, Piastri can win title
For the first time since 2010, Formula 1 will have a season finale where at least three drivers still have a chance to win the championship.
While momentum is on Max Verstappen's side, Lando Norris enters with a healthy 12-point advantage over the Red Bull driver while Oscar Piastri faces a 16-point deficit to his McLaren teammate. Norris also enjoys a minor advantage that ensures he'll win the title in the unlikely scenario he finishes tied with another contender in both points and wins. That's due to Norris having more second-place finishes than Verstappen and Piastri.
| Driver | Points | Wins | 2nd-place finishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lando Norris | 408 | 7 | 8 |
| Max Verstappen | 396 | 7 | 5 |
| Oscar Piastri | 392 | 7 | 4 |
Below are all the scenarios for Abu Dhabi that would see either Norris, Verstappen, or Piastri crowned world champion.
Here's how Norris becomes champion in Abu Dhabi:
| Norris | Verstappen | Piastri |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Doesn't matter | Doesn't matter |
| 2nd | Doesn't matter | Doesn't matter |
| 3rd | Doesn't matter | Doesn't matter |
| 4th | Not 1st | Doesn't matter |
| 5th | Not 1st | Doesn't matter |
| 6th | Not 1st | Not 1st |
| 7th | Not 1st | Not 1st |
| 8th | 3rd or worse | Not 1st |
| 9th | 4th or worse | Not 1st |
| 10th | 4th or worse | 3rd or worse |
| Out of the points | 4th or worse | 3rd or worse |
Here's how Verstappen retains his championship in Abu Dhabi:
| Verstappen | Norris | Piastri |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4th or worse | Doesn't matter |
| 2nd | 8th or worse | Not 1st |
| 3rd | 9th or worse | Not 1st |
Here's how Piastri becomes champion in Abu Dhabi:
| Piastri | Norris | Verstappen |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6th or worse | Doesn't matter |
| 2nd | 10th or worse | 4th or worse |
The championship will be decided next weekend, with the Abu Dhabi GP schedule to begin Sunday, Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. ET.
HEADLINES
- Verstappen wins Qatar GP to close gap on Norris before F1 finale
- Piastri keeps pressure on Norris by taking pole in Qatar
- Piastri wins Qatar sprint to close gap on teammate Norris in title race
- Piastri takes pole for Qatar GP sprint race
- Norris staying calm with Formula 1 title in his sights at Qatar GP