Latest from Abu Dhabi as Norris wins title

There was rather a sweet moment during Thursday’s FIA driver press conference when the three title contenders ahead of Sunday’s season finale in Abu Dhabi were asked whether their parents would be in town this weekend to support them. And if so, did they allow them to come or ask them to.

Lando Norris was first to respond and gave a long, touching answer about how he always invites friends and family to the final race of the season because he “leans on them” so much for advice and help during difficult moments, and because of the roles they have played in getting him to where he is. “I want them to be there,” he concluded, “because it’s a moment, win or lose, it’s a moment where I just want to share every bit that I can with my friends, with my family.”

Norris’s guileless response gave Max Verstappen, sitting next to him, the chance to play it ultra-cool by comparison, telling the press conference that, no, his parents were not here as they had long since made other plans. “My dad is rallying in Africa, and my mum is at home, happy with the dogs,” Verstappen smiled, adding: “You can see a lot on TV anyway.”