Verstappen’s deficit to World Cup leader Norris is twelve points. Norris’ teammate Piastri is sixteen points behind the Brit.
Verstappen will start from pole position on Sunday afternoon (2 p.m., Dutch time). Norris starts next to him in the front row. Piastri and Mercedes driver George Russell start behind them.
Max Verstappen has absolute goodwill in Abu Dhabi and father Jos is cheering from Africa: ‘Put the pressure on him and he will go even faster’
Norris has the best starting position on Sunday. If he finishes in the top 3, he will definitely be world champion. Verstappen therefore has to catch up with the Englishman at least twelve points to win his fifth title in a row.
The Red Bull driver does this, for example, if he wins the race and Norris finishes fourth or lower. Piastri would in any case overtake Verstappen in the rankings if he won. But for the Australian to become champion in that case, Norris would have to finish sixth or lower.
Points per Grand Prix
Winner – 25 points
Number 2 – 18 points
Number 3 – 15 points
Number 4 – 12 points
Number 5 – 10 points
Number 6 – 8 points
Number 7 – 6 points
Number 8 – 4 points
Number 9 – 2 points
Number 10 – 1 point