Five key takeaways from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Lando Norris delivered a champion's drive under immense pressure to secure his first Formula 1 world title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, while Mercedes solidified its position as the second-best team in the championship. The season finale, however, was a procedural affair that underscored ongoing challenges for drivers like Lewis Hamilton and questions about the Yas Marina circuit's ability to produce a dramatic championship decider.

Why it matters:

Norris's victory caps a remarkable season of growth, proving he can handle the ultimate pressure when it counts. For Mercedes, securing second in the constructors' championship provides a crucial morale boost and financial advantage as they head into a pivotal regulatory reset in 2026. The race also served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing veterans like Hamilton and the ongoing debate about calendar suitability for title showdowns.

The Details:

• Norris's Composed Triumph: Facing immense pressure and early skepticism about his mental fortitude, Norris kept a cool head. After a clean start, he managed tire graining while fending off Charles Leclerc, executed a clean pit stop, and deftly navigated backmarker traffic—including a weaving Yuki Tsunoda—to secure the points needed for the title.
• Piastri's Valiant Effort: Oscar Piastri did everything possible, pulling off a sensational overtake on Norris around the outside of Turn 9 on the opening lap. Executing an alternate hard-medium strategy, the Australian pushed hard but ultimately couldn't overcome the points deficit to Max Verstappen, who entered the race leading the standings.
• Mercedes Seals P2: In a relatively anonymous race for the team, with George Russell finishing fifth and Andrea Kimi Antonelli outside the points, Mercedes successfully defended its 33-point margin over Red Bull to secure second place in the constructors' championship. This marks an improvement from fourth in 2024, positioning them as 'best of the rest' behind dominant McLaren.
• Hamilton's Season of Struggle Ends: Lewis Hamilton's nightmare debut season with Ferrari concluded with another frustrating weekend, including an unprecedented third consecutive Q1 exit. The seven-time champion admitted to anger and frustration, pinning his hopes for a career resurgence on the major 2026 regulation changes.
• Yas Marina's Lack of Drama: Despite the high stakes, the race itself was largely processional, renewing criticism that the Yas Marina circuit, for all its glamour and facilities, rarely delivers the wheel-to-wheel thrill expected of a championship decider. The event highlighted a potential calendar mismatch for season finales.

The Big Picture:

The 2025 season concludes with McLaren's Lando Norris ascending to the top, confirming his status as a complete driver. Mercedes ends the ground-effect era on a relative high, securing vital constructor prize money. For Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton, the focus now shifts entirely to 2026, hoping a clean-sheet car design can end their struggles. The finale also sparks the perennial conversation about whether the championship should be decided on a track more conducive to overtaking and drama.