F1 Drivers’ Championship Permutations: Who Will Win The Title in Abu Dhabi?

The battle to win the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship goes down to the wire this weekend, as the three-way title fight will be determined in Abu Dhabi.

An in-depth preview for the race can be found in our Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preview, but here, we will go through the exact results each driver will need in order to win the championship. But, who will win the title in Abu Dhabi? You can find the F1 Drivers’ Championship permutations here.

When is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

For the first time since the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the title fight will go down to the final race of the season. This weekend’s race will be live on ESPN, with the formation lap getting underway at 8:00 AM ET.

Has There Been A Three-Way Fight in the Final Race Before?

This weekend marks only the eighth time in Formula 1 history that the Drivers’ Championship has gone to the final day of the season with more than two drivers still in contention.

 The last occasion came back in 2010, as a four-way battle was eventually won by Sebastian Vettel. The German started the race back in third and 15 points off the lead.

However, a strategic error at Ferrari cost Fernando Alonso a straightforward success, and ultimately handed Vettel the first of his four Drivers’ Championships.

F1 Drivers’ Championship Permutations

It could be a slightly confusing race to keep tabs on in regard to the driver who could be leading the championship this weekend. However, you can find a table below outlining what each driver requires in order to be crowned World Champion on Sunday.

For Norris to Win The Championship

For Verstappen to Win The Championship

For Piastri to Win The Championship

Who Will Win The Title in Abu Dhabi?

Everything still supports Norris’ chances this weekend, as he will win the Championship if he finishes on the podium.

It could also be argued that a tactical team order could be called if Piastri is sitting third in the closing stages if Verstappen is winning the race. However, this would be a strange decision based on the McLaren rules throughout the campaign.

Verstappen will realistically need to win the race and then hope Norris finishes off the podium this weekend in order to win a fifth straight championship. Ultimately, McLaren’s strange strategy call last weekend has almost certainly cost Piastri his opportunity of world glory this season.

Based on the odds available, Verstappen could be the percentage play, due to his experience in high-pressure driving and his know-how of winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.