Both McLaren drivers have the chance to seal a maiden World Championship at the end of the season finale. Still, Max Verstappen could also take the title and earn a fifth consecutive world title and complete one of the greatest comebacks in F1 history.

Norris leads the way with 408 points, and a podium finish will see him become World Champion. However, if Verstappen were to win the final race of 2025 and see Norris miss out on the podium, then the title will be his.

Piastri still has a slim chance of winning the World Championship, too, but with both McLarens inside the top three, team orders and papaya rules have become a major talking point, as one driver could potentially help the other to give the British team their first world champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2008.

During the final drivers' parade of the 2025 season, Jolyon Palmer asked Piastri if he knew about what team orders could be in play at the Yas Marina Circuit.

A tight-lipped response came from the Australian: "Yes, I do know."

When asked if he would be able to give any small hints, a firm answer went Palmer's way: "No."

Verstappen and Norris also cut relaxed figures before the 58-lap race, smiling and joking with each other during the interview.

"Feeling good. It's been a crazy turnaround, so now we are just excited to go racing out there," said Verstappen.

"Hopefully we can do our own race, but I will also be looking behind to see what is going on," continued the Dutchman, knowing that Norris must finish off the podium to give him a chance of the title.

But Norris was just as relaxed as Verstappen, it seemed: "I slept surprisingly well! It's a big moment for all of us. This is what we have been waiting for all our lives."

The three title protagonists also shook hands at the end of the interview, but not before Verstappen dropped another joke: "Is this handshake forced?" he said with a laugh.