The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises to be a clash of strategies today, rather than a clash on the track. With three drivers still able to become champion, the dynamics completely change compared to previous titanic battles in Formula 1. “Max Verstappen has only one chance,” says driver Jeroen Bleekemolen. “He doesn’t care at all whether he’s going to win that race.”
The situation is clear but also complex. Verstappen starts from pole, Norris in second, and Oscar Piastri in third. For Norris, a podium finish is enough for the title, regardless of where the rest finish. A repeat of infamous crashes between championship candidates, such as those between Schumacher and Hill or Senna and Prost, would make little sense in this case, according to Bleekemolen.
“That’s the fun of the dynamics with three drivers who can become champion,” explains Bleekemolen. “If Lando knocks Max off, Piastri could suddenly take the lead and become champion. In short: Lando can’t afford to go off, and neither can Max.” Therefore, a strategic puzzle lies ahead for Red Bull and Verstappen. According to Bleekemolen, the mindset should not be to win the race, but to make up the 12 points that Norris leads by. “Then you can start exploring the grey area,” he suggests.
Forcing Another into a Mistake
Reporter Gerard Bos outlines scenarios in which Verstappen deliberately falls back from the lead. “Suppose Max is leading by 10 seconds with Norris behind him in P2, then he won’t become champion. So then you start to fall back, forcing Norris into a duel, or trying to get the drivers behind to intervene. And then you hope for a mistake by Norris.”
Bleekemolen goes a step further and suggests sacrificing teammate Yuki Tsunoda as a possibility. “Bring him in after just five laps and put on the soft tyre. Hopefully, he has clear air and then virtually drives to the lead when the rest have to come in for a stop. Then he can start to hold things up a bit.”
In short: it promises to be a fascinating strategic chess game at the Yas Marina Circuit. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix starts this afternoon at 12:00 UTC.
