Abu Dhabi Grand Prix predictions: Norris can finish on a high
- Lando Norris has finished on the podium in five of the last seven races
- Lando Norris has never finished outside the points in Abu Dhabi
- Recommended bet: Lando Norris to finish on the podium at 4/5
The 2023 Formula One season reaches its conclusion at Abu Dhabi this weekend and there are still positions to be claimed outside the top three in the World Drivers’ Championship.
Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc are locked in a four-way battle for fourth position in the standings, while extra prize money is at stake in the World Constructors’ Championship.
Mercedes and Ferrari are separated by just four points as they vie for second place and there is only 11 points between McLaren and Aston Martin as they look to lock up fourth position.
The stats
Lando Norris has finished on the podium in five of the last seven Grands Prix and he has never finished outside the points in Abu Dhabi.
Just five points separate Norris, who is sixth in the Drivers’ Championship standings, from fourth-placed Carlos Sainz.
Norris has claimed seven of McLaren’s nine podium finishes this season.
Prediction
The Las Vegas Grand Prix was a bitterly disappointing affair for McLaren as Lando Norris crashed out on the third lap and teammate Oscar Piastri could only manage 10th, with the papaya car struggling for pace around the frigid Las Vegas circuit.
Temperatures — or at least low temperatures — will not be an issue in Abu Dhabi and Norris could be in line to return to form as he looks to leapfrog Spanish duo Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso to take a shock fourth position in the World Drivers’ Championship.
The Brit, along with the rest of the Woking-based team, have been in fine form since they brought much-needed upgrades to the car over the summer. Starting at Silverstone in July, Norris has claimed seven podium finishes in 12 races and has stood on the second step in six of those.
The more traditional Yas Marina Circuit should suit the McLaren more than the streets of Sin City and it is a track the young Bristol-born driver has proven his capabilities at.
Since stepping into the seat in 2019, Norris has taken a points finish in each of his four Abu Dhabi Grands Prix and has never been beaten by his teammate around this circuit. He will be eager to end a successful 2023 campaign on a high on Sunday.
