Norris, Verstappen and Piastri shared a FIA press conference days before the finale, downplaying the pressure despite the first three-way fight since 2010.

Verstappen, chasing a fifth straight crown from 12 points down, stayed relaxed after family time and sim racing prep, noting he has the least pressure in the mix. Norris admitted holding the top spot means the most to lose but insisted a title miss would not derail his life, calling it the dream he has chased forever.​

Piastri echoed the business-as-usual vibe post-padel, leveraging his underdog edge from junior series battles.​

Team Orders Tension Surfaces

Questions turned awkward on McLaren strategy, with Norris saying he would not demand Piastri yield position even if third secures his first title ahead of Verstappen.

Piastri dodged specifics, confirming no talks yet as teams finalize race plans closer to Sunday. Paddock buzz suggests McLaren could enforce orders if Piastri fades from contention, prioritizing an internal winner over Red Bull.​

CEO Zak Brown backed flexibility to block Verstappen, while team principal Andrea Stella left doors open without mandates.​

Title Math and Mutual Respect

Lando Norris will secure the championship with a podium finish if Oscar Piastri wins the race. Max Verstappen needs to win the race and see Norris finish outside the top four to keep his title hopes alive. Meanwhile, Piastri must win and have Norris finish sixth or lower to claim the championship.

Both McLaren stars highlighted their strong rapport, crediting off-track friendship for handling on-track rivalry without fractures. Norris topped FP1 by eight-thousandths over Verstappen, signaling tight action ahead. Verstappen marveled at his late surge after McLaren stumbles in Las Vegas and Qatar.