Abu Dhabi Showdown: How Each Driver Can Win the 2025 F1 Title
The 2025 F1 title fight heads to Abu Dhabi with Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri all vying for the championship, marking the first three-way showdown since 2010. Norris leads but Verstappen's Qatar win has tightened the points. Each driver has clear paths to victory, creating a thrilling and unpredictable finale.
Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen are all set for a thrilling title decider in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time since 2010 that more than two drivers enter the final race with a shot at the championship. Verstappen's unexpected victory in Lusail kept his fifth consecutive title hopes alive, turning the season finale into a high-stakes three-way battle.
Why it matters:
After a season of intense racing, the 2025 F1 title fight culminates in Abu Dhabi with three drivers in contention. This scenario, last seen in 2010, underscores the unpredictable nature of this championship and the high pressure on Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri. A misstep by any team or driver could swing the title, promising a dramatic conclusion to the season.
The details:
- Current Standings: Lando Norris leads with 408 points, followed by Max Verstappen with 396, and Oscar Piastri with 392.
- Crucial Qatar Race: McLaren's decision not to pit under an early Safety Car in Qatar proved costly. Despite locking out the front row, the strategic blunder saw Piastri drop to second behind Verstappen, while Norris finished fourth. This allowed Verstappen to significantly close the gap.
- Historical Context: This is the 32nd time the championship has gone down to the final race. Only nine times has the leader entering the last round failed to convert, with 2010 (Sebastian Vettel) and 2007 (Kimi Raikkonen) being notable upsets.
- Tie-Breaker Rules: All three contenders currently have seven wins each. In the event of a points tie, Norris holds the advantage with more second-place finishes.
How Lando Norris can win the F1 title:
Norris enters as the favorite and controls his destiny. A podium finish in Abu Dhabi will secure his maiden world championship, making him Britain's 11th drivers' champion, regardless of his rivals' results.
- Fourth Place: If Norris finishes fourth, Verstappen must not win.
- Fifth Place: If Norris finishes fifth, Verstappen must finish no higher than second.
- Sixth or Seventh Place: Both Verstappen and Piastri must finish second or lower.
- Eighth Place: Verstappen must be third or lower, and Piastri second or lower.
- Ninth Place: Verstappen cannot finish better than fourth, and Piastri must be second or worse.
- Tenth Place: Verstappen must be fourth or lower, and Piastri third or lower.
- No Score/11th or worse: Verstappen must be no higher than fourth, and Piastri third or worse.
How Max Verstappen can win the F1 title:
Verstappen's clearest path to a record-equalling fifth consecutive championship is to win in Abu Dhabi, provided Norris finishes fourth or lower. This would cap an extraordinary comeback after overcoming a 104-point deficit earlier in the season.
- Second Place: Requires Norris to finish eighth or worse, and Piastri third or lower.
- Third Place: Requires Norris ninth or worse, and Piastri second or lower.
How Oscar Piastri can win the F1 title:
Piastri needs a strong performance, admitting he'll "need a lot of things to go in my direction" after Qatar. He must finish first or second to remain in the title hunt.
- If Piastri wins: Norris needs to finish sixth or worse. Verstappen would be eliminated regardless of his result.
- If Piastri finishes second: Requires Norris to drop to tenth or worse, and Verstappen to miss the podium entirely.
What's next:
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend kicks off on Friday, culminating in the race at 12 am AEDT on Monday. With so many scenarios in play and the championship on the line, fans are bracing for one of the most anticipated season finales in F1 history. The pressure is immense on all three contenders, promising a spectacle of skill, strategy, and drama.