Norris basically has to finish ahead of both of his title rivals to force a decision today. After Piastri’s sprint win the Australian trails him by 22 points, with Verstappen now 25 points in arrears.

That’s easier said than done, because Norris starts on the dirty side of the grid in second. And Max Verstappen has already promised to go full attack at the start from third.

The reigning world champion has no other choice, as overtaking proved pretty much impossible in yesterday’s 19-lap snoozefest of a sprint.

As McLaren’s Zak Brown said yesterday, “you won’t want to miss the start” of this one.

 

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