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After a pivotal victory at the Qatar Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver has dramatically closed the gap in the driver's standings. He now finds himself just a dozen points behind leader Lando Norris and ahead of teammate his McLaren rival, everything is in place for a thrilling three-way season finale at the famous Yas Marina Circuit.

A Win Shaped by Opportunism and Precision.

The Dutchman's latest win was anything but straightforward. While he delivered a flawless drive for Red Bull, the race outcome was significantly impacted by a questionable strategic call from the McLaren team. Choosing not to pit during an initial safety car period, McLaren effectively gifted the race lead to their rival, who pounced without hesitation.

"I'm looking forward to it, I'm happy to go there and have a go at it," the driver said. "I go in there with just good vibes. I will give everything I can but equally, should I fall short, I still know that I had an incredible season."

This outlook he claims alleviates the pressure. The goal for the last race is simple: to maximize every single element from himself and the RB21.

A Remarkable Resurgence Fueled by Development and Cohesion.

What makes Verstappen's late-season charge so impressive is how far he has fought back. After the Zandvoort round in August, he was an enormous over a century of points behind the championship leader his rival and had openly dismissed his title chances.

The turnaround began with significant car developments introduced by his team at the Monza. Adjustments to the car's floor and front wing rectified long-standing balance issues, allowing Verstappen to push to the limit with the car once more.

Since that point, his performance has been completely formidable, securing five victories and several top-three finishes. He made sure to credit the teamwork behind this success.

"We've won races where maybe we shouldn't have, by making the correct decision as a group," Verstappen added. "The way I work with my team on the pit wall and the entire crew... we are deeply connected."

The Scenario for a Historic Decider.

With the paddock travel to Abu Dhabi, the mathematics is perfectly defined.

• The championship leader can secure his first-ever world title if he finishes ahead of both his two rivals or secures a top-three position.
• Max Verstappen has to take the checkered flag first and hope that his rival places fourth or lower.
• Oscar Piastri, who is by 16 points, must also win and see his teammate place outside the top five.

The pressure now shifts on the papaya-colored cars, who have seen a sizable lead disappear due to recent setbacks, including a double disqualification in Las Vegas. For Verstappen, the situation allows for freedom, turning the final race into a straight chance to go for glory with nothing to lose.