McLaren and Red Bull shock with opposite preparation for F1 title finale

The F1 title battle featuring three drivers - Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri - comes to a close this weekend in Abu Dhabi.

Already from the work programmes that the teams carried out during FP1, it is possible to outline the approach that McLaren and Red Bull will undertake in view of qualifying and the race later this weekend. 

RacingNews365 understands there is a substantial difference between the two teams regarding how they navigate the practice sessions around the Yas Marina Circuit.

It is already clear where the main focus of the two teams lies. As far as Red Bull is concerned, the focus will be placed mainly on assessing race pace. This will see the team carry out a progressive series of stints with different fuel loads, evaluating the performance degradation of the tyres. 

Red Bull believes that for Verstappen, the main obstacle is not qualifying and is therefore not placing vital importance on single-lap performance.

The team understands the need to evaluate various possible race scenarios, also taking into account any safety cars, which are always possible in Abu Dhabi. 

The assessment of tyre degradation represents not only a better understanding of possible strategies, but also for determining the best possible balance of the RB21, suitable both for qualifying and for the race.

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McLaren opt for different approach

McLaren, however, is following a different work plan. It believes the balance of the MCL39 is one of the key pillars of the car’s competitiveness. 

Therefore, the engineers are not focusing their attention on this parameter during free practice. It considers single-lap performance to be a more critical area, as it feels the track does not highlight the qualities of the car's design.

McLaren is also placing weight on the importance of grid position - not only based on previous evidence at the Yas Marina Circuit, but also due to how tricky overtaking has been of late.

Essentially, McLaren consider it far more decisive to aim for peak performance all the while keeping in mind the dangers of facing major tyre degradation.

These are, therefore, two different approaches that reflect the contrasting setups of the potential race strategies.

The reality is, Verstappen doesn't have any other choice but to be directed towards an attack-focused race. 

Conversely, McLaren, especially with Norris, must simply try to stay out of trouble and aim for the minimum target of a third place for the Briton, which would secure him the title. 

Piastri, on the other hand, will have the chance to try to win the title, realistically, only for half the race. In the final stint, it has been decided that he will make himself available in order to support his team-mate, should the opportunity present itself.