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Lando Norris has stated he cannot imagine a scenario where he would request team-mate Oscar Piastri to let him past to aid his title bid.

Norris, 26, currently holds a twelve-point advantage over the Max Verstappen and a 16-point cushion over his team-mate heading into this weekend's closing race in Abu Dhabi.

All three contenders are still in the hunt for the championship, with a maximum of twenty-five points on offer for a race win and 18 for the runner-up spot.

Norris needs to finish on the podium at the Yas Marina Circuit to guarantee claiming his maiden F1 championship; he would lose out if, for example, Verstappen takes the win and he comes home in fourth.

In a scenario where Piastri was running ahead than Norris in either second or third with Verstappen leading, McLaren theoretically could instruct the Australian to allow Norris through.

"The decision isn't mine and I'm not going to ask it," said Norris on Thursday. "I have no desire to ask because I feel it's particularly a reasonable request."

"I don't know. It's up to Oscar if he would be willing to permit it, you know?" he added.

The Outsider's Perspective

Piastri is now the longest shot to secure his first drivers' title, as the young driver must take victory on race day and for Norris to finish sixth or lower.

"It is not a topic we have discussed," said Piastri, who was competitive again in Qatar and came close to winning the race but ended up finishing second to Verstappen after a questionable strategic decision.

"Until I know what's kind of expected, I don't have an response," he said.

If Roles Were Reversed

However, Norris said if the roles were reversed and it was Piastri who was needing help in the final race, he would be prepared to move aside.

"Personally, I think I would, just because I think I'm always like that. It's in my nature," he affirmed.

He was 34 points adrift of his team-mate following his retirement at the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August but top-three finishes at Monza, Singapore and Austin, coupled with back-to-back victories in Mexico and Brazil, allowed him to retake the lead of the championship heading into the closing stages.

He is aiming to become the eleventh British Formula 1 driver to be crowned champion of the world.

Norris initially took P2 at the Las Vegas Grand Prix two weeks ago but a disqualification for both cars for McLaren gave that eventual victor Verstappen a lifeline to re-enter the title battle.

The Dutchman's Charge

Verstappen trailed Piastri by a massive 104 points after finishing P2 at his home race in the Netherlands but he has fought his way back into contention with five wins since the mid-season break, most recently last week in Doha.

Verstappen's most straightforward path to glory is for him to win in Abu Dhabi and for Norris to end up fourth or worse.

"I didn't expect to be in the title fight but here we are," joked Verstappen, who can match seven-time champion Michael Schumacher's record of five consecutive championships if he claims the crown in Abu Dhabi.

"Following the Dutch GP all bets were off. My father is rallying in Africa. My mum is happy with the dogs," he quipped.

"Naturally, they always support me; my mum always lights a candle before every Grand Prix. But I guess they have faith in their son," Verstappen concluded.

Looking Ahead

Norris stated if Verstappen prevails over him and Piastri, then they will offer their congratulations and "look forward to next year".

He continued: "Doesn't change anything, doesn't change my life. So he will have earned it over us."