🔗 Share this article

After a decisive victory at the Lusail Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver has significantly closed the gap in the driver's standings. He is now positioned just twelve points behind leader Lando Norris and leading teammate his McLaren rival, the scene is set for a thrilling three-way championship battle at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit.

A Win Shaped by Timing and Execution.

His latest win was not at all straightforward. Although he delivered a masterful drive for his team, the race outcome was largely determined by a costly strategic call from the McLaren team. Deciding not to pit during an early safety car period, the team presented the race lead to their rival, who pounced perfectly.

"I'm looking forward to it, I'm eager to go there and give it my best shot," he stated. "I go in there with just good vibes. I try everything I can but simultaneously, even without the title, I still know that I had an incredible season."

This philosophy according to him removes much of the stress. The goal for the last race is clear: to get the most from everything possible from himself and the RB21.

An Improbable Turnaround Fueled by Upgrades and Teamwork.

What makes this late-season charge particularly notable is the distance he has come back. Following the Zandvoort round in August, he was an enormous over a century of points behind the championship leader his rival and had openly dismissed his title chances.

The shift began with major performance updates introduced by his team at the Italian Grand Prix. Adjustments to the car's floor and aerodynamic package finally addressed ongoing performance deficits, allowing the driver to feel comfortable with the chassis once more.

Following those upgrades, his form has been utterly dominant, securing five victories and several top-three finishes. He was eager to credit the collective effort behind this comeback.

"We have triumphed where maybe it seemed unlikely, by executing the right call as a team," he explained. "The partnership with my engineer, GP and the every member... we are really well integrated."

The Stakes for a Unforgettable Decider.

Ahead of the head to Abu Dhabi, the championship picture is perfectly defined.

• Lando Norris is in position to win his maiden world title if he outpaces both his two rivals or takes a place on the rostrum.
• The challenger must win and requires that his rival is not in the top three.
• The third contender, who is by 16 points, needs a victory and see Norris finish sixth or worse.

The pressure rests heavily on the papaya-colored cars, who have watched a comfortable advantage slip away due to costly errors, including a exclusion for both cars in Las Vegas. In his view, the situation brings a sense of liberation, transforming the ultimate Grand Prix into a simple opportunity to attack with nothing to lose.