Before the final showdown of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Formula One’s top three contenders greeted each other and acknowledged their fans.
Red Bull’s four-time champion, Max Verstappen, will start from pole position, with McLaren’s Lando Norris, the championship leader, in second and his teammate Oscar Piastri in third.
“I’m feeling positive,” Verstappen shared before the Yas Marina circuit drivers’ parade, following a season-ending photo with all 20 drivers.
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“We’re really excited to race today. Hopefully, we can stick to our plan, but I’ll also keep an eye on the action behind,” he added.
Max Verstappen waving at fans
Norris, leading Verstappen by 12 points and Piastri by four more, said he surprisingly had a good night’s sleep and felt ready.
“I’m thrilled, it’s amazing, a huge moment for all of us. Of course, this guy here (Verstappen) has done this many times, but this is what we’ve dreamed of all our lives,” said the Briton.
Piastri remains hopeful about his championship chances.
“A lot can still happen, and it wouldn’t be the first time surprises occur in my career,” he remarked.
All three drivers have seven race wins this season. Verstappen and Norris are also previous winners under the lights of Abu Dhabi.
