Strange Statistic Against Lando Norris Winning in Abu Dhabi
Lando Norris heads to Abu Dhabi as the F1 championship leader, but a quirky statistic notes he has never won on the same track twice. While he's secured eleven Grand Prix wins this season, all were on new circuits. For the championship, a podium finish is all he needs, regardless of this peculiar historical trend, setting the stage for a thrilling finale against Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.
Lando Norris arrives in Abu Dhabi as the championship leader, holding a twelve-point advantage over Max Verstappen and a sixteen-point lead over his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. However, a peculiar statistic poses a challenge to his quest for victory at the season finale.
Why it matters:
Norris's dominant 2024 season, marked by eleven Grand Prix victories since his maiden win in Miami, has propelled him to the brink of his first F1 world championship. However, this unusual statistical quirk could add an unexpected layer of psychological pressure, especially in a high-stakes title decider where a podium finish is all he needs.
The Details:
- The Unbroken Streak: Since his first career win in Miami in 2024, Lando Norris has secured eleven Grand Prix victories. Yet, every single one of these wins has occurred on a track where he had not previously triumphed.
- Abu Dhabi Context: Norris won at the Yas Marina Circuit earlier in the 2024 season. Therefore, a victory this weekend would mark the first time he has won on the same track twice, breaking his peculiar streak.
- Championship Scenarios: Despite this statistic, Norris's path to the championship is clear:
- Norris is World Champion if: He secures a podium finish (1st, 2nd, or 3rd place), regardless of Verstappen's or Piastri's results.
- Verstappen's Path: Verstappen must win and hope Norris finishes no higher than fourth place.
- Piastri's Path: Piastri needs to win the race, with Norris finishing no higher than sixth place, to claim the title.
By the numbers:
F1 World Championship Standings (After 23 of 24 Races)
Drivers:
- Norris: 408 points
- Verstappen: 396 points
- Piastri: 392 points
- Russell: 309 points
- Leclerc: 230 points
- Hamilton: 152 points
- Antonelli: 150 points
- Albon: 73 points
- Sainz: 64 points
- Hadjar: 51 points
Teams:
- McLaren: 800 points
- Mercedes: 459 points
- Red Bull Racing: 426 points
- Ferrari: 382 points
- Williams: 137 points
- Racing Bulls: 92 points
- Aston Martin: 80 points
- Haas: 73 points
- Sauber: 68 points
- Alpine: 22 points
What's next:
The Yas Marina Circuit will be the stage where Norris either defies this odd statistical anomaly en route to a championship victory, Verstappen completes a dramatic comeback, or Piastri pulls off a sensational upset. The final race promises an exhilarating conclusion to an intense F1 season.