Photo: Race Pictures

Title rivals reveal Abu Dhabi appoach as Verstappen gives GT3 reply

18:48, 04 Dec

Updated: 19:19, 04 Dec

bySamson Ero

Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri have detailed their approach to the title-deciding race weekend in Abu Dhabi.

"I figured some stuff out for GT3 next year, figured out some stuff for my sim team as well."

- Max Verstappen

Norris, who was the first to respond during the Abu Dhabi pre-race press conference, stated that nothing much had changed regarding his overall approach to the weekend.

“Same as every weekend. Nothing changed. Just some reviews of last weekend, like we do after every race. Review what went on, what was clearly and obviously not good for us, some of the mistakes we’ve made, and also the less obvious things that we could improve on,” he said.

Lando Norris in Abu Dhabi - Photo: Race Pictures

The McLaren driver further stated that it remains a weekend treated the same within the team, albeit with some sparks of excitement in the Woking-based outfit.

“But that’s normal post-race understanding and preparation for the next race. Otherwise, nothing changes. It gets treated the same by everyone inside the team. Just more excitement for everyone at the same time. But apart from that, the work and how you approach it all remain the same,” he concluded.

Verstappen, for his part, offered a response that was a far departure from what some would have expected, highlighting that he is prepared for his GT3 and sim teams in 2026.

“Spent some time with my daughter, figured some stuff out for GT3 next year, figured out some stuff for my sim team as well, planning for next year. Just pretty straightforward stuff before arriving here, to be honest,” he said.

Max Verstappen during the ABu Dhabi press conference - Photo: Race Pictures

Piastri also added that his padel practice and a few marketing activities dominated his week in the lead-up to the race.

“I wasn’t organising GT3 teams, but I played some padel and just treated it like normal. Obviously, there aren’t that many days in between. Had a marketing day, so that was good fun, and that’s been about it,” he said.

Lawson names favourite for F1 title

Earlier, Liam Lawson named his favourite to win the 2025 drivers’ title. The Racing Bulls driver opted for Verstappen, lauding the impressive form of his former teammate.

The Kiwi driver also highlighted the resurgence of the Red Bull Racing outfit in his assessment.

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