The final race of the Formula 1 season in Abu Dhabi always has its own unique atmosphere and dynamics. For most drivers and teams, there’s little left at stake, and it’s – just as importantly – the last race before their holiday. The same applies to the regular followers of the sport. Thus, many conversations in the paddock revolve around holiday plans, from skiing trips to wild party plans. It’s a far cry from tire strategies, team orders, and floorboards…
The holiday reflections – especially combined with the pleasant temperature – create a relaxed atmosphere. You could almost forget that two teams and three drivers still have everything to fight for on Sunday.
Thursday is always the designated media day in Formula 1, with press conferences and interview obligations for drivers. Naturally, the FIA has invited Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen to the official press conference in the media center. The room is spacious, but nonetheless packed, and the questions are plentiful in the half-hour session.
With a Touch of Humor
How do they assess their own chances? Do they feel the pressure? And – for the first two – how will they handle any team orders on Sunday? All questions are neatly and diplomatically parried, but if the press conference were also a competition, Max Verstappen would have convincingly won it. He answers the questions with visible relaxation, and whenever possible, with a touch of humor. In everything, he exudes the aura of being the season’s big winner. The moral world champion, already.
He will have to do without the support of his parents in Abu Dhabi. His father, Jos, is participating in a rally in Kenya, while his mother, Sophie, is staying home with the dogs, he says matter-of-factly. “We hadn’t planned on being in contention for the title. Everything was cancelled after Zandvoort,” says Max Verstappen. But it’s not a big deal. “You can see it well on TV too.”
Normal Preparations
And his preparation for the grand finale this coming Sunday? Verstappen shrugs, then dryly. “I’ve spent time with my daughter, sorted out some things for my GT3 team and also for my sim team. Just normal things, really.”
It’s clear that while the competition struggles with mental pressure and the Papaya rules, Max Verstappen is nonchalant about the title fight. Of course, a fifth title would be nice, he says, but he already has four of those trophies at home. “And they all look the same.” Moreover, his sporting comeback means that his season is already a success. In other words, everything is a bonus.
The race isn’t until Sunday and the sports world is holding its breath, but not Max Verstappen. He’s already in a holiday mood…
