PALMER: How should each of the three contenders approach the championship showdown in Abu Dhabi?

After 23 races we reach the season finale in Abu Dhabi with a three-way battle for the title, so let’s take a look at how the three championship contenders might approach the crucial final Grand Prix of the year…

Max Verstappen

12 points behind Norris, four points ahead of Piastri

The situation is simplest for Max Verstappen. He has the full undivided support of Red Bull – a team that knows how to win titles and have form of being calm under pressure – and Max is still in the position of having little to lose.

Red Bull have struggled recently in the Sprint format, taking time to get the car into the right working window after a poor initial set-up. Max wasn’t ever satisfied with his balance in Qatar, yet still managed to win the race after McLaren’s strategy miss. But in Abu Dhabi, with three hours of practice running, he should be able to build into the weekend and get the car humming once more.