McLaren has made a bold and unique tire choice for the Abu Dhabi F1 finale, saving two sets of new hard tires for both drivers. This strategic move aims to counter unexpected front tire graining, a significant vulnerability for the team, and potential high degradation. Team principal Andrea Stella believes this could be a crucial advantage in a race that may become a two-stopper, offering more strategic flexibility against Max Verstappen's Red Bull.
Max Verstappen clinched pole for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with George Russell predicting strategic 'games' from the Dutchman if he leads the race. McLaren CEO Zak Brown declared the F1 title 'game on' as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri start second and third, setting the stage for a tense, three-way championship decider.
With the F1 season heading for a thrilling finale, Max Verstappen's race tactics are under intense scrutiny as Lando Norris leads the drivers' championship. McLaren's unexpected surge has put them at the top of both driver and constructor standings, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown against Verstappen and Red Bull at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The FIA presidential election will proceed on December 12 with Mohammed Ben Sulayem running unopposed, despite a Paris court ruling that a full trial is needed to address allegations of irregularities from former candidate Laura Villars. The legal challenge, set for February 2026, could potentially annul the election's validity, raising significant questions about the legitimacy of Ben Sulayem's expected second term and the FIA's electoral transparency.
Liam Lawson expressed significant frustration, feeling 'hurt' by Racing Bulls' overly conservative qualifying strategy at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The team's decision to use three soft tire sets in Q1 left him with used tires for a critical Q2 run, costing him a Q3 spot by a mere 0.043s in an incredibly tight session. This strategic misstep, driven by constructors' championship pressures, highlights the fine margins in Formula 1 and the impact of team choices on individual driver performance.
Oscar Piastri, starting third in Abu Dhabi, is banking on unexpected race events for his long-shot F1 title bid. Despite a 16-point deficit, Piastri remains optimistic, drawing on past title shocks. McLaren leadership believes the team is well-positioned for a dramatic showdown, emphasizing execution as key to their championship hopes against Max Verstappen and teammate Lando Norris.
Max Verstappen has claimed pole position for the 2025 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, setting up a dramatic three-way battle for the championship. McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri qualified second and third, respectively, keeping their title hopes alive. Norris needs any podium finish to secure the championship, while Piastri requires a win or specific outcomes. Lewis Hamilton struggled, starting 16th.
The 2025 Formula 1 season culminates in Abu Dhabi with a thrilling three-way title fight. Lando Norris, leading by 12 points, needs a podium finish to secure his first championship. Max Verstappen, starting from pole, must win and hope Norris finishes fourth or lower. Oscar Piastri also has an outside chance. McLaren's dominance is evident, having already secured the Constructors' title.
The São Paulo E-Prix season opener was halted by a red flag after a massive crash involving rookie Pepe Marti, whose car flipped and caught fire during a full-course yellow. The incident, triggered by a multi-car pileup, saw Marti walk away unharmed, highlighting both the dangers and advanced safety in Formula E, while also disrupting the race's final laps.
Yuki Tsunoda described providing a crucial tow to Max Verstappen during Abu Dhabi Q3 as "very stressful" but ultimately successful, helping Verstappen secure pole. Despite pre-qualifying car damage forcing him to use older parts, Tsunoda expertly executed the maneuver, earning praise from Red Bull and highlighting the intricate team coordination essential in F1.
Lando Norris heads into the Abu Dhabi title decider poised for his maiden F1 championship, needing only a podium finish. Starting second, he faces title rivals Max Verstappen (pole) and Oscar Piastri. Verstappen has hinted at unconventional race tactics, possibly 'backing-up' the field, reminiscent of Lewis Hamilton's 2016 strategy. Pundits expect a strategic battle as Norris prepares for "everything," aiming for victory while managing his championship lead against an aggressive Verstappen.
Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing have perfectly executed their qualifying strategy, putting immense pressure on Lando Norris and McLaren for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Starting from pole, Verstappen aims to exploit Norris's historical starting struggles and potentially use strategic race tactics to force Norris into a P4 finish or lower, a crucial outcome for the championship. The race promises high-stakes drama with McLaren's consistency under pressure being tested.
