Norris out to win F1 title for McLaren “in style” after Abu Dhabi pole

Lando Norris has said McLaren wants to secure the Formula 1 constructors’ championship “in style” by winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after locking out the front row.

The Woking-based squad is 21 points ahead of second-placed Ferrari heading into the F1 season finale at Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday.

McLaren’s performance this weekend has made it clear favourite to pull off the feat, with its MCL38 appearing to have a significant edge over the opposition as Norris and team-mate Oscar Piastri secured a 1-2 on the grid.

The squad could approach the final round just taking it easy and shadowing home Ferrari, whose best hopes lie in third-place starter Carlos Sainz as his team-mate Charles Leclerc starts last. 

However, a bullish Norris says the intention is not to play the numbers game and do just enough to bring home the teams’ title. Instead, it is about wrapping up things for McLaren by delivering the victory that guarantees it.

“We’ve got to beat Ferrari, that’s the aim, but we want to do it in style and we want to win,” said Norris after securing pole. “I want to win, so we know what we have to do.

“But we’re keeping our heads down. We’re staying focused, but we’re here to win every race possible, and tomorrow we’re going to have a good chance at least with one of our cars.

“We’ll be giving it everything we got, but knowing in the back of our minds what we really have to do to achieve our big goals.

“I’m very happy. The team have done an incredible job, so a big thanks to them. And yeah, it is always a nice qualifying to end the year.” 

Piastri said that, while he was aware both he and Norris wanted to win the race, bringing the championship home had to be the biggest priority.

“I think we’ll do whatever we can to make sure we win the championship, and that’s by far the biggest goal tomorrow,” he said.

“I’m sure we’d both love to win the race, but I’m sure everyone would love to win the championship even more. So we’ll make sure that happens and have some fun tomorrow.”

Top three Qualifiers Oscar Piastri, McLaren F1 Team, pole man Lando Norris, McLaren F1 Team, Carlos Sainz, Scuderia Ferrari

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

While McLaren fought off the opposition to lock out the front row, both drivers admitted that things had been harder than expected after their ultra-strong form in Friday practice.

Norris said: “[It was a] perfect day for us, probably a little bit tougher than we were hoping for.

:We’ve been very quick all weekend, so we’re pleased with the 1-2, but it was just a bit trickier than what we would have liked. But my lap in the end was strong and just how we wanted it to end.”

Piastri added: “It was a bit trickier today compared to last night. I think we took a while to find our feet in qualifying, but we got there in the end. And yeah, great result for the team.”