Formula One revs up for a three-way title showdown

ABU DHABI, Dec 3 : Formula One will crown its champion in Abu Dhabi on Sunday with McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both seeking to dethrone Red Bull's Max Verstappen and deny the Dutchman his fifth title in a row.

Norris is favourite in the three-way showdown, 12 points clear of Verstappen and needing 'only' to finish on the podium at Yas Marina whoever wins on what could be a night of high drama.

The last season before the start of a fresh era for the sport, and the expansion to 11 teams with new rules and engines, has been one of comebacks and shocks for all three contenders and none can be counted out.

All have seven wins each, all capable of adding to that tally and ready to deliver an edge-of-seat sunset finale that might have come straight out of Brad Pitt's recent F1 movie blockbuster.

All have also suffered the agony of race retirements due to collisions or crashes.   

INCREDIBLE SEASON, INCREDIBLE CAR

Norris, winner of the opener in Melbourne last March, was 34 points behind Piastri at the end of August but turned his fortunes around with a hot streak while the Australian stalled.

He won in Abu Dhabi from pole last year, after losing a title battle with Verstappen. 

"It's been an incredible season. We have an incredible car. I'm proud of everyone in the team. Thank you to all of our fans. We've got one more race, and we'll give it everything," he said.

Piastri, leading from Saudi Arabia in April to Mexico in October, had looked set for Australia's first championship since Alan Jones 45 years ago but is now 16 points behind his teammate.

He needs to win or finish second and hope for a twist in the tale - twice this century the driver who was third overall going into the final round has come out on top.

Verstappen,