Everything is set in Qatar for the penultimate round of the season — a race that could already prove decisive in the title fight.

Lando Norris could seal the championship with a round to spare, but the Briton will have to fend off a resurgent Oscar Piastri, who’s looked the stronger of the two so far this weekend, and a Max Verstappen who, after yesterday’s qualifying, seems very much in the mix as well.

As expected, the weekend hasn’t thrown up any weather surprises, and conditions for the race are also forecast to be hot with temperatures running high.

Light north-easterly winds and settled conditions are on the cards for the race, with air temperatures sitting around 24°C at lights out before dipping to about 21°C in the second hour. Track temperatures are also expected to fall, easing from 29°C to roughly 25°C.

Norris can secure the world championship in Qatar through several scenarios, all hinging on where Piastri and Verstappen finish in relation to him.

The Brit will start the race sandwiched between his two title rivals, a position that demands extra caution to avoid any early incidents that could jeopardise his bid. Of the three contenders, he’s undoubtedly the one with the most at stake.