🔗 Share this article

Following a decisive victory at the Qatar Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver has substantially closed the gap in the title race. Now sitting just twelve points behind leader McLaren's Lando Norris and ahead of teammate his McLaren rival, the stage is set for a electrifying three-way title decider at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit.

A Win Shaped by Strategy and Seizing Opportunity.

His latest win was anything but conventional. Although he delivered a masterful drive for Red Bull, the victory was significantly impacted by a questionable strategic move from the McLaren team. Opting to keep their cars out during an early safety car period, the team presented the race lead to their rival, who seized the moment without hesitation.

"I'm looking forward to it, I'm happy to go there and fight for it," the driver said. "I go in there with just optimism. I try everything I can but simultaneously, if I don't win it, I still know that I had a fantastic season."

This philosophy he claims takes a lot of the stress. The aim for the last race is clear: to maximize each opportunity from himself and the RB21.

An Improbable Resurgence Driven by Upgrades and Teamwork.

The remarkable aspect of this championship charge so impressive is the distance he has recovered. After the Zandvoort round in late August, he was a staggering 104 points behind the then-leader Oscar Piastri and had essentially conceded his title chances.

The turnaround began with substantial car developments introduced by his team at the Monza. Changes to the vehicle's underbody and front wing finally addressed persistent handling problems, allowing Verstappen to regain confidence with the chassis once more.

Since that point, his form has been completely dominant, securing five wins and multiple podiums. He made sure to praise the unified work behind this comeback.

"We have triumphed where maybe the odds were against us, by making the optimal strategy as a team," he noted. "The way I work with my team on the pit wall and the every member... we are deeply connected."

The Scenario for a Memorable Finale.

With the paddock head to Abu Dhabi, the points situation is perfectly defined.

• The championship leader is in position to win his debut world title if he beats both his two rivals or achieves a place on the rostrum.
• Max Verstappen needs victory and needs that his rival finishes off the podium.
• Oscar Piastri, trailing by 16 points, has to win the race and have his teammate finish sixth or worse.

The intensity now shifts on McLaren, who have watched a comfortable advantage evaporate due to costly errors, including a twin DSQ in Las Vegas. From his perspective, being the hunter allows for fearlessness, transforming the ultimate Grand Prix into a pure opportunity to attack with zero pressure.