F1 LIVE | FP1 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Kicks Off Decisive Title Battle
The 2025 F1 season reaches its dramatic conclusion in Abu Dhabi, with Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri locked in a fierce battle for the Drivers' Championship. Norris leads the standings, needing a top-three finish to clinch his maiden title. FP1 sees a mix of regular and reserve drivers on track, as teams prepare for a high-stakes weekend that will crown a new F1 world champion.
The 2025 Formula 1 season culminates in Abu Dhabi, where Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri are set to clash for the Drivers' Championship. As FP1 begins, all eyes are on Norris, who enters the weekend with a narrow lead, needing a top-three finish to secure his maiden title. This final race is poised to be a dramatic showdown, determining who will lift the coveted trophy.
Why it matters:
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the climax of a thrilling 2025 F1 season, with an unprecedented three drivers still in contention for the world championship. A new champion is guaranteed, signifying a potential shift in the sport's hierarchy and underscoring the fierce competition that has defined the year. For Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri, this race is the culmination of years of dedication, with the ultimate prize within reach.
The details:
- Championship Standings: Heading into the final race, Lando Norris leads the standings with 408 points, followed by Max Verstappen with 396 points, and Oscar Piastri with 392 points.
- Title Scenarios: To secure his first F1 title outright, Lando Norris must finish at least in third place.
- Practice Session Driver Changes: FP1 features an unusual grid with nine regular drivers stepping aside to give reserve and junior drivers a chance, including:
- McLaren: Pato O'Ward replaces Oscar Piastri.
- Ferrari: Arthur Leclerc replaces Lewis Hamilton.
- Red Bull: Arvid Lindblad replaces Yuki Tsunoda.
- Williams: Luke Browning replaces Alexander Albon.
- Aston Martin: Cian Shields replaces Fernando Alonso, and Jak Crawford replaces Lance Stroll.
- Haas: Ryo Hirakawa replaces Esteban Ocon.
- Racing Bulls: Ayumu Iwasa replaces Liam Lawson.
- Alpine: Paul Aron replaces Pierre Gasly.
The big picture:
The 2025 season has delivered one of the most exciting championship battles in recent memory, with three drivers from three different teams vying for the ultimate prize. This competitive landscape has captivated fans and showcased the depth of talent on the grid. The Abu Dhabi finale is not just about crowning a champion, but also about solidifying the legacies of these drivers and their teams, potentially setting the tone for future seasons.
What's next:
As FP1 unfolds, teams will gather crucial data for qualifying and the main race. The focus will quickly shift to FP2 and FP3, where the championship contenders will fine-tune their setups and strategies. The pressure will intensify in qualifying, which will be critical for gaining a strategic advantage. Ultimately, the world champion will be decided in Sunday's race, where every lap and every point will count.