“Everyone thinks I won’t take risks” – Lando Norris reveals Abu Dhabi title advantage

Lando Norris starts second alongside Max Verstappen and believes the assumption he’ll play it safe in the F1 title decider could open the door to an eighth win of 2025

Lando Norris has admitted he plans to turn the expectation that he won't take risks into an advantage during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. While the McLaren driver needs to bring it home safely to a podium finish, he's eager to turn his last race of 2025 into a win while clinching the championship.

The Briton will start Sunday's grand prix from second on the grid alongside Red Bull's Max Verstappen. And while this places him in a good position to attack a podium finish with a 12-point lead going into the weekend, he is determined to score an eighth win this season.

“There's no point thinking of too much,” he told Sky Sports F1. “I'll go and sit with my guys and girls and see how we can best prepare for tomorrow and prepare for every eventuality. The goal is still to try to win the race tomorrow. That's still our mindset.

“It's definitely not going to be a simple one by any means and probably the most complicated race I might have. But the mindset is still how can we win the race tomorrow and that's going to be the approach.”

The title contender added that many on the grid expect him to play it safe, avoiding the unnecessary risks that come with fighting for a win.

“Everyone thinks I don't need to take any risks and hopefully I can use that to my advantage,” he added.

Lando Norris, McLaren

Photo by: Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images

It was a tough Saturday for Norris, who wasn't able to match the pace of his Dutch rival.

“I was very happy with my lap. It felt very strong. We just weren't quick enough,” Norris said. “We didn't have enough speed in the car. So I'm hoping that just magically appears tomorrow and we can be a bit quicker. Otherwise, they were just too quick.”

Just last year, a collision between Verstappen and Oscar Piastri at the first corner left the Australian at the back of the field. Norris will have to avoid such a thing.

“I know what I have to do, but it's never as simple as just saying stay there or do this,” he said on staying safe during the race. “Everyone has their own agenda. So, like I said, the only thing I can do is go focus on my own stuff, prepare the best way I can and wait to see what happens.”