From Hülkenberg's Podium to Norris's Title: The Best Stories of the 2025 F1 Season
Lando Norris clinched his first F1 title in a thrilling three-way battle, but the 2025 season was defined by Max Verstappen's stunning late-season charge and Nico Hülkenberg's long-awaited first podium.
Lando Norris clinched his first Formula 1 world championship in a dramatic season finale, edging out McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and a resurgent Max Verstappen. While the title fight went down to the wire in Abu Dhabi, the 2025 campaign was defined by multiple compelling narratives, from a stunning late-season comeback to a feel-good story 15 years in the making.
Why it matters:
The 2025 season showcased the depth of talent and drama across the grid. Norris's victory solidified his status as a top-tier driver, while Verstappen's near-impossible comeback underscored his relentless winning mentality. Beyond the championship fight, stories like Nico Hülkenberg's first podium and Colton Herta's ambitious F1 bid highlighted the human element and the global allure of the sport, reminding fans why F1 is more than just a battle at the front.
The details:
- Norris's Title Triumph: Lando Norris finally came of age, overcoming early-season wobbles and the immense pressure of fighting his own teammate for the championship. He secured his first title by just two points, proving he could win without sacrificing his personality.
- Verstappen's Incredible Charge: Max Verstappen staged one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent memory. Over 100 points behind, a major upgrade package at the Italian Grand Prix transformed his Red Bull. He won six of the final nine races and fell just two points short of a fifth title.
- Hülkenberg's Long-Awaited Podium: Nico Hülkenberg finally broke his podium duck after 15 years and 206 Grand Prix starts. The veteran driver masterfully navigated treacherous wet conditions at Silverstone to claim a stunning P3, holding off a charging Lewis Hamilton in one of the season's most emotional moments.
- Herta's High-Stakes Gamble: IndyCar star Colton Herta is putting his successful US career on hold for a shot at Formula 1. The 2024 IndyCar runner-up will compete in F2 in 2026 as a Cadillac test driver, aiming for a full-time F1 seat in 2027 in a high-risk, high-reward career move.
Looking Ahead:
The 2025 season sets up a fascinating 2026. Norris is now a proven champion, while Verstappen's late-season form signals Red Bull's return to contention. Hülkenberg's podium provides a huge morale boost for Sauber ahead of its highly anticipated transformation into the Audi works team. All eyes will be on Herta's progress in F2, as his adaptation to European single-seaters could shape the future of Cadillac's F1 project.