By Abhishek Takle

ABU DHABI, Dec 6 (Reuters) – McLaren’s Oscar Piastri still hopes he can become Australia’s first Formula One champion in 45 years despite qualifying third and behind his two title rivals for Sunday’s deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old will start one spot behind British teammate and championship leader Lando Norris with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen surging to pole position.

Piastri, 16 points behind championship leader Norris and four adrift of Red Bull’s Verstappen, needs to finish at least second and results to go his way to follow in the footsteps of his country’s 1980 champion Alan Jones.

Norris will win the title if the top three finish as they start.

“Until either Lando or Max cross the line in front of me, I’ve still got a chance of winning the title,”

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