FIA Reveals Fiery Press Conference Lineup as Verstappen, Norris and Piastri Prepare for Verbal Showdown in Abu Dhabi
The 2025 Formula 1 season is finally reaching its climax, and the FIA has added even more intrigue to the championship decider by unveiling a press conference lineup guaranteed to ignite headlines. With the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marking the last stop on a thrilling 23-race calendar, the sport finds itself in a rare and electrifying position: three drivers entering the final weekend with a genuine chance of lifting the World Drivers’ Championship trophy.
This scenario hasn’t unfolded in well over a decade. The last season finale to feature more than two title contenders was the dramatic 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. And not since the intense 2021 battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have fans arrived at the closing race without knowing who would be crowned champion. Now, 2025 delivers an even more explosive twist.
On Thursday, the FIA will bring the three championship rivals together in one room for what promises to be one of the most tension-filled press conferences of the year. McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who have dominated most of the season with relentless pace and repeated victories, will sit alongside Red Bull’s Max Verstappen — the four-time world champion who has remained within striking distance despite Red Bull’s inconsistent campaign.
Norris enters the weekend leading the standings, but only by a narrow margin. Just 16 points separate him from Piastri, whose impressive consistency and ability to strike at critical moments have kept him firmly in contention. Verstappen, meanwhile, lurks only 12 points behind Norris, ensuring that even the slightest misstep from the McLaren pair could turn the entire season upside down. With the title still mathematically open, every question asked and every calculated answer given on Thursday will feel like part of the psychological battle before the cars even line up on Sunday.
To set the stage, Thursday’s media activities begin with the first official press conference featuring Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Mercedes’ George Russell, and the recently promoted Isack Hadjar of Racing Bulls. This opening session will warm up the media day before attention shifts to the main attraction.
At 11:00am GMT, Norris, Piastri and Verstappen will face journalists together, a situation guaranteed to generate tension, speculation and possibly even verbal sparks. Their rivalry — once cordial and built on mutual respect — has evolved into a fierce three-way contest defined by on-track clashes, strategic battles and pressure-filled moments. Reporters are expected to probe their mindsets, strategies and emotions heading into what may be the closest title fight of their careers. Fans worldwide will be watching closely for signs of cracks, confidence or controversy.
The drama will continue into Friday with the team principals’ press conference. There, influential figures from the top teams will give insight into their championship strategies and the internal pressures they face. McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies will share the spotlight alongside Jonathan Wheatley — formerly Red Bull’s respected sporting director and now team principal at Sauber. Their presence is expected to add another layer of narrative to the rivalry, especially given the political undertones and competitive tensions between Red Bull and McLaren in recent months.
With the Yas Marina Circuit preparing for one of the most anticipated finales in years, the buildup promises to be just as captivating as the race itself. Every press briefing, interview and statement will feed into the anticipation as drivers, teams and fans count down the hours to the moment the lights go out.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Press Conference Schedule (BST)
Thursday – 10:30am
• Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
• George Russell (Mercedes)
• Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
Thursday – 11:00am
• Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
• Lando Norris (McLaren)
• Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
Friday – 11:30am
• Jonathan Wheatley (Sauber)
• Zak Brown (McLaren)
• Laurent Mekies
