Australian Formula One star Oscar Piastri has positioned himself for a dramatic, if unlikely, shot at the world championship by qualifying third for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Long Shot for Glory
Piastri remains one of only three drivers in contention for the title as the F1 circus arrives at the Yas Marina Circuit for the final race of the 2025 season. However, his path to the crown is the most difficult, requiring a significant dose of fortune. The Melbourne-born driver trails his McLaren teammate Lando Norris by 16 points and Red Bull's Max Verstappen by 4 points heading into the decider.
To become champion, Piastri essentially needs the two cars ahead of him in both the race and the standings to encounter serious trouble. "Funny things can happen, that's what I've learned," Piastri admitted after qualifying. "From where I'm sat, I need things to happen in the race to win the championship. So, I'll wait and see if those things happen."
High-Stakes Grid Sets the Scene
The qualifying session produced a tantalising grid for the championship battle. Verstappen seized pole position, with Norris qualifying right beside him on the front row. This places the two main title rivals side-by-side for the rush to the first corner, a scenario that could play into Piastri's hands if chaos ensues.
Piastri's third place puts him in the ideal spot to capitalise on any incident between the leading duo. The mindset of his rivals offers a glimmer of hope. Norris, chasing his first world title, admitted to feeling the pressure despite his points advantage. "I'm not too bothered to be the hunter or the hunted," Norris said. "To be hunted is fine because you're normally the one with the advantage in the first place."
In contrast, the experienced Verstappen, a four-time world champion, enters with nothing to lose. "All out. I have nothing to lose," the Dutchman declared. "So for me, of course, I'm going to try to win the race. I'm going to defend. If I need to attack, I'll attack."
Team Orders and Tactical Intrigue
The complex championship mathematics sets the stage for potential team strategy that could frustrate Australian fans. Should Piastri find himself ahead of Norris but behind Verstappen and out of title contention, McLaren could order him to let Norris past to secure the championship for the Englishman.
The team has long faced accusations of favouring Norris, making the scenario a sensitive topic. When questioned about his comfort with such a team order and what he might expect in return, Piastri remained focused on his own victory chance. "Handshake would be good, probably," he said. "I don't know what exactly is expected of me yet. But until either Lando or Max cross the line in front of me, I've still got a chance of winning the title."
Verstappen also hinted at tactical games, noting he might need to manipulate the race if leading to try and drop Norris out of the crucial top-three finishing positions he needs. "We'll find out tomorrow, won't we?" he said coyly.
The stage is set for a monumental climax to the Formula One season on Sunday, December 7, at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. While the odds are stacked against him, Oscar Piastri remains ready to pounce on any opportunity to create a stunning Australian sporting fairytale.
