Top News

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will vie for the Formula 1 title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend whilst driving a McLaren that will don a one-off livery, designed by their own fans, to finish the season.

McLaren have wrapped up the team's championship for the second successive season and are hoping to have one their drivers claim the drivers' title for the first time since 2008 when Lewis Hamilton reigned supreme.

Norris is in pole position to win the first title of his career, holding a 16 point lead over Piastri. But four-time champion and current holder Max Verstappen is very much a player following his win in Qatar with the Dutchman Norris' closest challenger as he looks to overturn a 12 point deficit.

Abu Dhabi has been the scene of some iconic title fights, not more so than in 2021, but McLaren will hope to wrap up both championships with their new look, which comes as part of their partnership with VELO.

The leading global brand of nicotine pouches have led a fan-inspired livery design in collaboration with McLaren. The unique livery was co-created by nine McLaren fans from around the world.

READ MORE: F1 driver standings at the top as Max Verstappen closes in after controversial incident

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton's response to Charles Leclerc's brutal Ferrari assessment after Qatar GP

Together VELO and McLaren have embarked on the ‘Live Your Fandom' campaign. Back In August, the campaign allowed nine fans from the UK, Romania, Czech Republic, Mexico and beyond a chance to experience the day at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC). Enjoying a behind-the-scenes tour and discussing their best memories directly with McLaren CEO Zak Brown.

Louise McEwen, the Chief Marketing Officer at McLaren Racing, commented: “Our fans are at the heart of everything we do, and this special livery is another way of showing our appreciation."

McLaren were left reflect on a difficult Sunday in Qatar, which saw a strategy error gift the race win to Red Bull. The two McLarens failing to pit when the opportunity presented itself early on. "We made the wrong decision. Feel terrible for Oscar and Lando," Brown said.

He did also state: "We're leading the championship but Oscar with a deficit, [we] left some points on the table so we'll just do the best we can in Abu Dhabi. We were very strong there last year."

Norris, who finished fourth, is still happy with his situation and he remains the hot favourite going into the season finale. The Brit said: "I've put myself in this position, I'm still happy. It wasn't our finest day, it wasn't my finest weekend in terms of driving and putting things together, but that's life."

Norris, who has been with McLaren since 2019, knows that a podium finish in Abu Dhabi will see him win the world championship - regardless of where his rivals finish.