Lando Norris must listen to Fernando Alonso’s advice to avoid a repeat of his failed 2010 title bid

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Formula 1 will get to enjoy a thrilling three-way title fight for the first time in 15 years at this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Lando Norris is the clear favourite, but he’s trailed closely by Max Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri, who has been there with him all year.

Unfortunately, McLaren have a bit of a headache on their hands as they attempt to keep things even between their two drivers.

It would be a serious disappointment for them if they were to fail to take home the drivers’ championship. It’s one they have waited more than 17 years to take home again.

Norris needs to ‘perfect’ his qualifying to give himself the best shot possible heading into Sunday’s race, but there’s going to be a lot of pressure on his young shoulders.

Mario Andretti thinks Norris is ‘definitely’ the favourite, knowing that finishing anywhere on the podium would be enough to seal the deal.

READ MORE: Ralf Schumacher immediately dismisses what Bernie Ecclestone has said about McLaren and Lando Norris

Lando Norris must heed Fernando Alonso’s advice on 2010 to avoid a repeat in 2025

Bernie Ecclestone thinks Norris is ‘over-confident’ and that the trait could end up being his downfall in his pursuit of a maiden title.

McLaren aren’t doing enough for their drivers by the admission of their own boss, Andrea Stella, who may be frustrated that both titles haven’t been wrapped up by now.

Now, Norris has been warned about the possibility of drivers coming back at him, despite having a solid gap. It’s something which caught Fernando Alonso out in 2010, and is something he should listen to.

“The last time there were three drivers fighting was in 2010,” he told Motorsport.com. “I don’t know, it’s difficult to make a prediction. You always think the leader has an advantage because he has a certain margin in terms of results and can take it easier, but Formula 1 is unpredictable.

“There’s always a bit of mind games. When you see your rivals on the track, in FP1, FP2. Media comments today. You try to apply pressure from the other side.

“You find yourself in the drivers’ briefing, and the three have different body language. But in the end, when you lower your visor and drive, you forget about everything.”

READ MORE: McLaren set to repeat Oscar Piastri trick and beat F1 rivals to signing of ‘very consistent’ driver

Why Lando Norris is better-prepared to challenge for the 2025 F1 title than Oscar Piastri

Norris has spent the majority of the last six years preparing for the moment where he can contend for the Formula 1 title.

He has spent more than twice the length of time as Piastri in the McLaren setup, and knows all the processes inside out.

The Briton was also in contention for a title towards the end of last year, so knows what it’s like to be in an intense battle with Verstappen.

In other words, there shouldn’t be any surprises. McLaren won’t use team orders in Abu Dhabi, so it’s a fair fight to the flag.