Fernando Alonso predicts 'mind games' between F1 title rivals at Abu Dhabi finale

Fernando Alonso is expecting the three F1 title protagonists to play “games” with one another in Abu Dhabi as the championship battle reaches its climax.

Lando Norris enters the final round with a 12-point lead over Max Verstappen, who is four points clear of Oscar Piastri in third.

All three are in with a chance of sealing the F1 title on Sunday. Norris and Piastri are seeking their first title, while Verstappen is aiming to achieve a fifth consecutive championship.

Alonso, who has been in his fair share of title showdowns during his F1 career, suggested the mind games have already begun.

“Always a little bit of games,” Alonso told media including RacingNews365. “When you see your low opponents on-track [during] FP1, FP2.

“Media comments from today, you try to put the pressure on the other side.

“You meet in the drivers’ briefing, there is a different body language for all three of them.”

Verstappen was largely seen as a non-factor in the championship fight for much of the year while the McLaren duo battled for supremacy at the front of the grid.

However, the Dutchman closed the gap late after the summer break as Red Bull continued to apply upgrades to the car.

With just one round remaining to settle the championship fight, Alonso asserted the performance of the car will make all the difference in the final outcome.

“At the end of the day, when you close the visor and you drive, if the McLarens are going to be faster this weekend, they will have everything to win it,” he said.

“If the Red Bull is faster, there is then a good chance for Max. Again, it's all down to the car performance.”