Verstappen's deficit to World Championship leader Norris is twelve points. Norris's teammate Piastri is sixteen points behind the Briton.

Verstappen will start from pole position on Sunday afternoon (2:00 PM, Dutch time). Norris will start alongside him on the front row. Piastri and Mercedes driver George Russell will start behind him.

Max Verstappen has absolute gun power in Abu Dhabi and his father Jos is cheering from Africa: 'Put the pressure on him and he'll go even faster'

Norris has the best starting position on Sunday. If he finishes in the top three, he will automatically be world champion. Verstappen will therefore need to close at least twelve points on the Englishman to secure his fifth consecutive title.

The Red Bull driver does this, for example, if he wins the race and Norris finishes fourth or lower. A victory would automatically put Piastri ahead of Verstappen in the standings. But for the Australian to become champion in that case, Norris would have to finish sixth or lower.