It\u2019s crunch time in Abu Dhabi, with a three-way fight for the Formula 1 world drivers\u2019 championship.<\/p>\n
From McLaren<\/a>\u2019s point of view it didn\u2019t have to be this way. If it had avoided the disqualifications in Las Vegas, or made a better strategy call in Qatar, it would now be guaranteed its first world champion since Lewis Hamilton<\/a> in 2008.<\/p>\n As it is, Lando Norris<\/a> will be champion if he finishes third or higher, while Max Verstappen<\/a> is only 12 points behind him and has chances. Oscar Piastri<\/a> needs luck to go his way after the crushing disappointment of losing a certain race win in Qatar.<\/p>\n Read Also:<\/p>\n James Allen explores all of this and what it\u2019s like to be in the middle of a title showdown with someone who was in the thick of it in 2007, when McLaren lost the championship from a position not unlike today\u2019s – former McLaren mechanic now journalist and broadcaster Marc Priestley.<\/p>\n And our F1 writer with his ear to the ground, Ronald Vording, joins us from Abu Dhabi.<\/p>\n Send your comments or questions to: @jamesallenonf1 on X or jamesallenonf1@autosport.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0 <\/p>\n We want to hear from you!<\/p>\n Let us know what you would like to see from us in the future.<\/p>\n