For the first time in 16 years, there will be a championship fight between McLaren and Ferrari in Formula 1’s season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Having started the year as underdogs to Red Bull, both teams have developed aggressively and it has paid dividends.
They now have the chance to end their respective title droughts and take some significant silverware – and extra associated prize money home.
Only one of the four drivers in Lando Norris (albeit very recently) have any experience under such intense championship conditions, but that should only favour McLaren.
McLaren will ‘throw it away’ in title fight with Ferrari
McLaren are clear favourites for top honours, holding a 21-point lead over their Italian rivals with one event to go.
It means that both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz need to produce minor miracles to turn things around without any external influences or luck (DNFs).
Anything less than a Ferrari double podium will probably see them lose, but coming from such a position with nothing to lose – they can afford to be aggressive.
READ MORE: Charles Leclerc sends emotional six-word message to brother Arthur Leclerc ahead of Abu Dhabi FP1 Ferrari run
Fortunately, the warmer conditions of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix should suit the Prancing Horse, but that doesn’t guarantee that their car will work – it’s up to them to set it up well.
Speaking on the DRS: De Race Show, ex-F1 star Giedo van der Garde predicts that McLaren will actually find a way to lose the title.
“I think that Ferrari will win, McLaren will throw it away. Not by a stupid mistake or something, that they [botch a] pit stop or something maybe.”
Who is the bigger liability in the championship fight?
History would tell you that Ferrari have been in a lot more title fights without finding a way to win over the last 15 years.
McLaren just hasn’t been involved much towards the front over the last decade in particular, but having two capable drivers, including the impressive Oscar Piastri, has aided them.
Carlos Sainz will want to bid farewell on the best terms possible before he completes a move to Williams, but the bulk of the work may be on his shoulders.
READ MORE: Carlos Sainz shares what Charles Leclerc has done ‘behind closed doors’ after ‘very sassy’ radio messages
Teammate Leclerc has a 10-place grid penalty after being forced into a battery change during FP1, meaning that he will start outside the top 10.
Being in the midfield will be scary for the Monegasque driver, who will want to avoid any unnecessary incidents with his feisty rivals.
