F1: Max Verstappen prioritizes positive energy in Abu Dhabi to challenge Norris for fifth consecutive Formula 1 title By Thiago Lemos
4 min read
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Max Verstappen, four-time world champion of Fórmula 1, said he was relaxed for the GP of The Dutchman from Red Bull is 12 points behind the leader Lando Norris, from McLaren, after victory in the Catar last Sunday. The contest, which involves three drivers for the first time in 15 years, takes place this weekend, with the main race on Sunday at 5pm Abu Dhabi local time.
The recovery of Verstappen, who overcame 92 of the 104 points of disadvantage since August, highlights the balance of the season. Norris leads with 408 points, followed by Verstappen with 396 and Oscar Piastri with 392, according to statuses updated after Catar.
The Dutch driver emphasized the focus on maximizing performance, regardless of the end result.
- Victory for Verstappen and Norris in 4th or worse: title for the Dutchman.
- Norris on the podium and Verstappen outside the top three: British champion.
- Piastri needs to win and count on his rivals’ failures to dream of the title.
All eyes on our top three 👀
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Red Bull strategies at the end of the season
The Red Bull team adjusted Verstappen’s car after initial difficulties, such as sixth place in Bahrein and tenth in Espanha. Desde Returning from the summer holidays, the driver scored podiums in all nine of the following races.
This consistency came with victories in Las Vegas and Catar, benefiting from McLaren’s mistakes, such as disqualifications due to excessive wear of boards on the asphalt of
Verstappen’s initial challenges in F1 2025
Verstappen faced instability in the RB21 at the beginning of the year, resulting in ninth place in the Hungria. The car had balance problems, forcing constant adaptations.
The team invested in aerodynamic upgrades for European races, which allowed for gradual recovery. Piastri, from McLaren, led much of the initial phase with a hat-trick of victories in Bahrein, Arábia Saudita and Miami.
Norris reacted with triumphs in Mônaco and México, maintaining the lead. Esses initial results defined the tight pace of the championship.
Schedules and expectations for the weekend
Free practice begins on Friday, December 5th, with sessions at 9:30am and 1pm Abu Dhabi local time. Qualifying takes place on Saturday at 2pm, and the race on Sunday at 5pm.
Dry weather is expected, with temperatures around 25°C at night, favorable for the 5.2 km route. The circuit, with 58 laps, favors overtaking in curves such as 9 and 11.
Verstappen has a strong record in Abu Dhabi, with four wins in ten appearances. Norris won the 2024 edition, his only podium at the venue.
Piastri seeks to repeat his recent good performance, but needs maximum points to threaten.
Impressive recovery of Verstappen
Since the Holanda GP on August 30, where Piastri won and extended the lead, Verstappen began a sequence of nine races without leaving the podium. Essa stage included second places in Holanda and consecutive victories in the final stages.
The Dutchman accumulated 92 points in this period, exploiting McLaren’s drop in performance, such as the wrong strategy in the Catar with a safety car on lap 7. The limitation of 25 laps per tire altered the stops, benefiting the Red Bull.
This turnaround transformed a 104-point deficit into a three-way fight, unprecedented since 2010. Verstappen highlighted the importance of quick decisions in the pits to maintain the advantage on the track.
The team confirmed Isack Hadjar as a companion to Verstappen in 2026, signaling stability in the project.
Fierce rivalry between Norris and Piastri
Lando Norris took the lead after victories in Mônaco and Seu teammate Piastri, with an initial hat-trick, came second in Mundial.
McLaren dominated with the MCL39, but mistakes like disqualifications in Las Vegas cost valuable points. Norris only needs a podium in Abu Dhabi for the title, while Piastri requires victory and other people’s stumbles.
Tactical perspectives for the final
Red Bull plans an aggressive setup for qualification, aiming for pole position as in 2021. Verstappen mentioned the need for “external factors” to overcome the 12-point disadvantage.
Norris, under pressure from the fans, focuses on consistency, avoiding incidents like the safety car in Catar. Piastri, with pole in Catar, is betting on strong starts.
The constructors’ championship sees McLaren ahead, with Mercedes in second and Red Bull in third.
Decision history in Abu Dhabi
The Yas Marina circuit has hosted iconic finals, such as the 2021 between Verstappen and Hamilton. In 2010, Vettel won the title by overtaking Alonso.
These precedents show that safety cars and strategies define night racing. Verstappen has won four of the last editions, adding pressure to their rivals.
The track, with long straights and technical curves, tests soft tires for initial stints.
Post-Qatar interview reveals mindset
After the triumph at Catar, Verstappen said: “I’m much more relaxed now. Ele emphasized the season as “incredible”, regardless of the outcome.
The pilot compared it to the 2021 final, but highlighted greater current calm. “I try to maximize everything in the car, but I count on surprises, like in Catar.”
This stance contrasts with the intensity of previous years, focusing on the process over the result.
