Piastri Banks on 'Funny Things' in Abu Dhabi Title Showdown

Oscar Piastri is holding onto hope, suggesting 'funny things can happen' in title deciders, despite facing a significant points deficit going into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Starting third on the grid, Piastri acknowledges his underdog status but remains optimistic about his chances, drawing on past title shocks and junior category experiences.

Why it matters:

Piastri's belief in unexpected twists underscores the unpredictable nature of F1 title fights. For McLaren, having both drivers in contention directly behind Max Verstappen for the championship highlights the team's strong performance and the high stakes of the final race. A surprise outcome would dramatically shift the narrative of the season and redefine the pecking order at the top.

The details:

• Qualifying Performance: Piastri qualified third, just three hundredths of a second behind his teammate Lando Norris, and behind pole-sitter Max Verstappen.
• Points Deficit: Piastri faces a 16-point gap to Norris and is four points behind Verstappen in the three-way championship battle.
• Underdog Mentality: Despite the odds, Piastri stated, "Funny things can happen. That's what I've learned" when asked about lessons for the finale, indicating a reliance on race events unfolding unexpectedly.
• McLaren's Pace: Piastri expressed satisfaction with his qualifying effort, believing it accurately represented McLaren's true one-lap pace, though Verstappen's pole lap was ultimately out of reach.
• Long-Run Uncertainty: Piastri's long-run performance remains a question mark due to limited mileage during earlier practice sessions.
• Team Outlook: McLaren team principal Andrea Stella emphasized the tight margins between Piastri and Norris throughout the season, calling their close performance "the story of the season." He also noted that while Red Bull and Verstappen had a slight edge in pure qualifying pace, McLaren maximized their car's potential.

What's next:

McLaren leadership remains confident in their position, with both drivers starting directly behind Verstappen and separated by minimal time. Team principal Andrea Stella believes McLaren is "in control of its own destiny" and that execution on race day, rather than raw speed, will ultimately decide the championship. CEO Zak Brown echoed this, anticipating an "epic race" with the top three championship contenders occupying the first three grid spots, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the season.