Carlos Sainz Snubs Max Verstappen and Names Lando Norris as 2025 F1 Championship Favorite

The driver’s title battle between Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri is the talk of the paddock for the ultimate race of the 2025 season. Verstappen’s winning chances are slim against Norris, but they are definitely not none.

The Dutchman has to cover a 12-point gap to the forefront to seal his title win. However, Norris’ best friend, Carlos Sainz, has backed up the former in winning the championship against the reigning world champion this year.

Lando Norris has performed very well in the recent couple of races and regained his lost form. However, Max Verstappen is showing no signs of slowing down as he has achieved a podium finish in nine consecutive races following his sudden performance resurgence.

Still, Norris might be the favorite to win the title not only because of the favorable conditions at the Abu Dhabi GP, but also because of his lead in the standings. Carlos Sainz is all here for the battle for the championship win this year and noted that he will be watching the drivers at the forefront very closely.

The Spaniard shares a good relationship with both Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, and it will definitely be hard for him to pick favorites. Sainz reckoned that everyone was aware of his good relations with Norris and how he was cheering on for the latter.

I will be following very closely, I think everyone knows how well I get on with Lando, and I wish Lando the best possible outcome in that sense.

Carlos Sainz said, as reported by RacingNews365.

Further, Carlos Sainz clarified that he had great respect for Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, as he did not neglect what both of them had done in the championship standings this year. Both drivers managed to remain in contention until the very last race and hence were deserving of the title win as well. Regardless, Sainz declared that the Abu Dhabi circuit was Lando Norris’ to win and he would dominate the rivals on track.

I also have a lot of respect for Max and Oscar, and I wish them the best – but I think Abu Dhabi is a Lando track.

Carlos Sainz added.

Carlos Sainz claims Yas Marina Circuit “one of the best tracks” for Lando Norris in F1

Lando Norris has a great track record when it comes to the Abu Dhabi GP at the Yas Marina Circuit. The Briton achieved a stellar race win in his previous outing on the track and is bound to achieve great results this time around as well. Carlos Sainz reckoned that since the Abu Dhabi circuit was one of the best of Norris, he was certainly going to have an easier time compared to the rivals.

Carlos Sainz claimed that the season finale and championship decider being at Abu Dhabi was a great situation for Lando Norris since the track was one of his best ones. Still, Sainz accepted that going into the final race and achieving a podium finish was a big deal as well. The Spaniard insisted that Norris must execute a perfect weekend to seal his title win against the rival this year.

I think it’s good for him that the finale is in Abu Dhabi, which is from my experience, being his team-mate here, is one of his best tracks. Still going into the last weekend, having to finish on the podium is never easy, even if you drive a McLaren. He needs to execute a perfect weekend. Given how well he’s responded under pressure recently, I think he can do it.

Carlos Sainz noted.

Regardless of the championship winner, the 2025 season has been extremely exciting, especially at the forefront. The championship battle hasn’t been so cutthroat in the entirety of the ground-effect era. Moreover, Max Verstappen will not make life any easier for the Briton and surely give it his all to win the driver’s title in the ultimate race of the year.

Continue Reading: Yuki Tsunoda Breaks Silence on Red Bull Axe over Poor performance

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