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Abu Dhabi cheat sheet: How Norris, Verstappen, Piastri can win title

Xinhua News Agency / Getty

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.

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