2025 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix LIVE: Three Drivers, One Title

The 2025 Formula 1 drivers' championship will be decided over 58 laps at the Yas Marina Circuit, with Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri in a tense three-way fight. Norris holds a 12-point lead over Verstappen, who in turn is just four points ahead of Piastri, setting the stage for a strategic finale where every position is critical.

Why it matters:

This race represents the culmination of a fiercely competitive season and could crown a first-time world champion in Lando Norris. The outcome hinges not just on raw speed but on high-pressure strategy and potential on-track gamesmanship, with recent history at this circuit providing a blueprint for tactical interference.

The details:

• The Grid: Max Verstappen (Red Bull) starts from pole position, with championship leader Lando Norris (McLaren) alongside him on the front row. The third contender, Oscar Piastri (McLaren), lines up third.
• The Math: Norris needs to finish third or better to guarantee the title, regardless of where his rivals finish. If Verstappen wins, Norris must finish second. If Piastri wins, he needs both Norris and Verstappen to finish poorly to have a chance.
• The Tactical Wildcard: George Russell highlighted the potential for Verstappen to employ defensive tactics, deliberately backing Norris up into the chasing pack to compromise his race—a strategy reminiscent of Lewis Hamilton's attempt to hinder Nico Rosberg at the same venue in the 2016 decider.

What's next:

The lights go out for the final time in 2025, with the championship destined to be settled by a combination of outright pace, tire management, and team strategy. All eyes will be on the front-row battle between Verstappen and Norris at the start, and whether the pole-sitter attempts to dictate the pace to aid his own title hopes. The outcome will define the season and anoint a new champion.