F1's Modern Title Showdowns: Revisiting Iconic Finales

This weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sees Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri vying for the F1 title, marking only the tenth time this century the championship will be decided at the final race, and just the third time involving more than two drivers. History suggests these finales rarely disappoint, often delivering dramatic swings in the standings.

Why it matters:

• The 2025 Abu Dhabi finale is a rare multi-driver showdown, echoing some of F1's most iconic and chaotic championship deciders. Understanding past finales provides crucial context for the high stakes and potential drama of this upcoming race.
• Only nine times in F1's 75-year history has the championship leader entering the finale failed to secure the title, highlighting the immense pressure on current frontrunners.
• The tension and spectacle of these events are pivotal in shaping F1's legacy, often delivering career-defining moments for drivers and teams.

The Details:

This century has witnessed nine title-deciding finales, each delivering its own brand of drama:

• 2003 Japanese GP (Schumacher vs. Raikkonen): Michael Schumacher clinched his sixth title by finishing eighth, despite Kimi Raikkonen winning the race, after starting 14th.
• 2006 Brazilian GP (Alonso vs. Schumacher): Fernando Alonso secured his second title, finishing second, while Michael Schumacher made a remarkable charge from the back to fourth after an early puncture.
• 2007 Brazilian GP (Hamilton vs. Alonso vs. Raikkonen): Kimi Raikkonen snatched the title by a single point from Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso in a dramatic three-way battle where Hamilton's gearbox glitch proved costly.
• 2008 Brazilian GP (Hamilton vs. Massa): Lewis Hamilton famously claimed his first title on the final corner of the final lap, overtaking Timo Glock, while Felipe Massa initially celebrated victory, only to be heartbroken.
• 2010 Abu Dhabi GP (Alonso vs. Webber vs. Vettel vs. Hamilton): Sebastian Vettel became champion after starting third in the standings, capitalizing on strategic errors by Ferrari that trapped Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber behind Vitaly Petrov. This was the only four-way title decider in F1 history.
• 2012 Brazilian GP (Vettel vs. Alonso): Sebastian Vettel overcame a first-lap collision that dropped him to the back to finish sixth, securing his third consecutive title by just three points over Fernando Alonso.
• 2014 Abu Dhabi GP (Hamilton vs. Rosberg): Lewis Hamilton secured his second title in the first turbo-hybrid era finale, winning the race as Nico Rosberg suffered an ERS failure, effectively ending his challenge amid controversial double points.
• 2016 Abu Dhabi GP (Rosberg vs. Hamilton): Nico Rosberg clinched his sole world championship by finishing second to Lewis Hamilton, despite Hamilton's attempts to back him into the chasing pack. Rosberg famously retired days later.
• 2021 Abu Dhabi GP (Verstappen vs. Hamilton): Max Verstappen won his first title in a highly controversial one-lap shootout following a Safety Car, overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the final lap, sparking global debate that continues today.

What's next:

• The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is poised to add another chapter to this rich history of F1 title deciders. The multi-driver contention ensures a high-stakes, unpredictable race.
• The outcome will be decided by a blend of driver skill, team strategy, and the unpredictable nature of Yas Marina, potentially mirroring the dramatic swings seen in past finales like 2007 or 2010.
• Fans can anticipate a spectacle of tension and emotion, as the drivers battle for motorsport's ultimate prize, cementing their place in F1's storied legacy of championship finales.