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McLaren star Lando Norris has made it clear he does not envision a scenario where he would petition team-mate Oscar Piastri to let him past to aid his title bid.

The 26-year-old Briton presently enjoys a 12-point advantage over the Max Verstappen and a sixteen-point margin over his team-mate as they approach this weekend's finale in Abu Dhabi.

Each of the three contenders remain in the hunt for the championship, with a maximum of twenty-five points available for a race win and 18 for the runner-up spot.

Norris must secure a top-three finish at the Yas Marina Circuit to guarantee claiming his maiden Formula One championship; he would lose out if, for instance, Verstappen wins and he finishes in fourth.

In a scenario where Piastri was running ahead than Norris in either P2 or P3 with Verstappen leading, McLaren could ask the Australian to allow Norris through.

"It's not really up to me and I won't be making that request," stated Lando Norris on media day. "I have no desire to ask because I don't think it's particularly a fair question."

"It's unclear. The choice lies with Oscar if he would allow it, right?" Norris continued.

Piastri's Viewpoint

Oscar Piastri is now the outsider to secure his maiden drivers' title, as the 24-year-old must take victory on Sunday and for his team-mate to finish sixth or lower.

"It's not something we have talked about," commented Piastri, who was competitive again in Qatar and came close to winning the race but ultimately placed second to Verstappen after a questionable strategic decision.

"Before I know what's kind of expected, I don't have an answer," he stated.

A Reversed Scenario

However, Norris said if the roles were reversed and it was Piastri who was needing assistance in the final race, he would be prepared to let his team-mate pass.

"Personally, I think I would do it, simply because I think I'm always like that. It's in my nature," he said.

He was 34 points behind Piastri after his DNF at the Dutch Grand Prix at the tail end of summer but top-three finishes at Italy, Singapore, and the US, coupled with back-to-back victories in Mexico and Brazil, enabled him to retake the lead of the title fight going into the closing stages.

He is aiming to become the 11th British F1 driver to be crowned champion of the world.

Norris initially finished second at the Las Vegas Grand Prix a fortnight back but a disqualification for both cars for McLaren gave that day's race winner Verstappen a lifeline to re-enter the title battle.

Verstappen's Charge

Verstappen was behind Piastri by 104 points after finishing P2 at his home grand prix in the Netherlands but he has fought his way back into contention with five victories since the summer break, most recently last week in Qatar.

His clearest route to glory is for him to win in Abu Dhabi and for Norris to finish fourth or lower.

"I had not anticipated to be in the championship battle but here we are," joked Max Verstappen, who can match seven-time champion Michael Schumacher's record of five consecutive drivers' titles if he claims the title in the UAE.

"After Zandvoort all bets were off. My dad is competing in Africa. My mum is content with the dogs," he quipped.

"Of course, they always support me; my mum always lights a candle before every race weekend. But I suppose they trust their son," he added.

The Final Stance

Norris stated if Verstappen triumphs over him and Piastri, then they will offer their congratulations and "look forward to next year".

He continued: "Doesn't change anything, doesn't change my life. So he'll deserve it over us."