Formula 1\u2019s three-way title showdown is delicately poised with a fascinating set of dilemmas facing Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.<\/p>\n
Poleman Verstappen is in the best position to win the race – but Norris, who leads the championship by 12 points, will be world champion if the drivers finish in the order they take the start.<\/p>\n
Piastri, meanwhile, is well-placed to attack both but requires the biggest swing of all to turn third on the grid and third in the points into snatching the title.<\/p>\n
And the three drivers lining up in the first three positions provide an opportunity for drama, tension and an unclear outcome.<\/p>\n
GUIDE: The results each contender needs to be champion<\/a><\/p>\n Norris has hurdles at every turn<\/p>\n There\u2019s an interesting contrast in Norris\u2019s situation. The points are on his side in the championship and Norris can finish where he starts or let Piastri by and still be champion.<\/p>\n Norris is undeniably in a very good position and it would be churlish to suggest otherwise. But that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s straightforward – not by a long shot.<\/p>\n Norris seems to be facing potential hurdles at every turn. The first comes with the race start and the run to Turn 1. Norris has the most to lose, so judging how much risk to take is critical. McLaren team boss Andrea Stella advises him to be \u201cprudent\u201d – Norris says he will make the call about \u201cfive metres\u201d before he hits the brakes.<\/p>\n Caution is logical but play it too safe and Norris could open the door to Piastri and maybe others. If he is too aggressive he could throw away his ideal position – if he is conservative he could immediately lose the places that will cost him the championship.<\/p>\n However the first lap goes, the second issue is McLaren\u2019s pace and tyre management. Working the fronts harder, and having some understeer, may be essential in managing the rear degradation that is prevalent at this track but it leads to graining. This was Norris\u2019s self-described \u201cworst nightmare\u201d<\/a> earlier in the season and can destroy race pace.<\/p>\n McLaren is aware of this, hence keeping two sets of hards in case the race turns to a two-stop strategy. It may not emerge as a critical factor if track evolution is such that the grip improves enough to stop the front axle sliding across the track and tearing the surface of the tyre, but it\u2019s an active risk.<\/p>\n And finally, assuming Norris has the pace to win or run in a comfortable enough position to get it done \u2013 Verstappen will play games, back him up, and complicate his race as much as possible.<\/p>\n There is a path to the title for Norris, the best of all three. But it is still laced with hazards.<\/p>\n “I feel comfortable and ready to go,” said Norris. “I feel like we\u2019ve got a good plan for things. But you can\u2019t plan for everything.”<\/p>\n Verstappen\u2019s \u2018big question\u2019<\/p>\n