It is definitely Lando’s to lose, says Button ahead of F1 season finale

Norris has a 12-point cushion over Max Verstappen and just needs to be on the podium to clinch the crown.

“It’s very easy to think, ‘just take it easy, don’t make mistakes’. But as soon as you start driving like that, that’s when mistakes happen,” said Button, the 2009 champion.

“I think what Lando’s done this second part of the year has been impressive. At the start of the year, it felt like he wasn’t mentally in the right place, making mistakes and not performing at his best.”

“Since it’s such a long season, he’s been able to get through all that, the mental side of things, having good people around him, keeping him positive. In the last few races, you’ve seen the consistency of his performances.”

One key battle to look forward to this weekend is how Norris tackles Verstappen on track.

“When you go up against someone like Max, it’s a different beast altogether. And we still see in close combat, like in (Las) Vegas, that Lando still can’t take on Max. But he doesn’t have to. If he’s quick enough to be in the top three in qualifying, he has got to get through that turn one, and then the race will come to him. So it is definitely Lando’s to lose,” Button remarked.

The former McLaren and Brawn GP driver also felt that Verstappen, having already won the last four titles, has nothing to lose and is relaxed, which gives him an edge.

“He’s very relaxed. The thing about Max is he’s just there to go racing. There’s no pressure on his shoulders. Whereas the other two (Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri), it’s the first time they’ve had an opportunity to fight for a World championship. That is a big deal.”

Verstappen on pole

Red Bull’s Verstappen outgunned Norris and Piastri to take pole position for the Abu Dhabi GP.

Norris will start alongside him on the front row with Piastri in third.

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying results: 1. Verstappen (Red Bull); 2. Norris (McLaren); 3. Piastri (McLaren); 4. Russell (Mercedes); 5. Leclerc (Ferrari); 6. Alonso (Aston Martin); 7. Bortoleto (Sauber); 8. Ocon (Haas); 9. Hadjar (Racing Bulls); 10. Tsunoda (Red Bull); 11. Bearman (Haas); 12. Sainz (Williams); 13. Lawson (Racing Bulls); 14. Antonelli (Mercedes); 15. Stroll (Aston Martin); 16. Hamilton (Ferrari); 17. Albon (Williams); 18. Hulkenberg (Sauber); 19. Gasly (Alpine); 20. Colapinto (Alpine).

(Abu Dhabi GP will be telecast live on FanCode from 6 p.m. on Sunday)