Lando Norris clinched his maiden world title with a composed drive under immense pressure, while Mercedes secured P2 in the constructors' standings. The race also highlighted Lewis Hamilton's ongoing struggles and reignited debate over the Yas Marina circuit's suitability for a thrilling finale.
Lando Norris has become Formula 1's 35th world champion, securing his maiden title with a third-place finish in the season finale. The McLaren driver overcame a mid-season power unit failure and a points deficit to teammate Oscar Piastri to clinch the championship by just two points over Max Verstappen, delivering McLaren its first drivers' crown since 2008.
Max Verstappen contemplates his 2026 car number following a dramatic two-point championship loss to Lando Norris, hinting 'probably not 33' as he weighs options after relinquishing the coveted No. 1. The four-time champion's post-summer comeback nearly overturned an impossible deficit but fell short despite Sunday's race win.
F1 stewards clarified that Lando Norris was not penalized for his overtake on Yuki Tsunoda in Abu Dhabi because he was forced off track by Tsunoda's defensive moves. Tsunoda received a five-second penalty for weaving, while Norris's championship-winning position was secured.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown expressed immense pride and relief as Lando Norris clinched his maiden Formula 1 World Championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, securing the team's first drivers' title since 2008. Brown praised the team and drivers for navigating a season of intense internal competition to achieve the double.
Lando Norris secured his maiden Formula 1 World Championship at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, capping a dramatic season-long battle with teammate Oscar Piastri and a resurgent Max Verstappen. His victory was built on consistency, crucial wins, and capitalizing on key moments of fortune and misfortune for his rivals throughout the 24-race campaign.
A RacingNews365 poll reveals fans overwhelmingly back Max Verstappen to win the 2025 F1 championship in the Abu Dhabi finale, which would see him equal the records of Michael Schumacher and Juan Manuel Fangio. The Dutchman trails Lando Norris by 12 points heading into the winner-takes-all race.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri says he would consider letting teammate Lando Norris past if it helps the team's championship bid in Abu Dhabi, but emphasizes his own slim title hopes are still alive until the checkered flag falls.
The 2025 Formula 1 season reaches its climax in Abu Dhabi with Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri separated by just 16 points. Verstappen starts from pole, but Norris only needs third place to secure his first world championship.
Max Verstappen starts from pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with championship leader Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri directly behind him. All three drivers, tied on seven wins each this season, have a mathematical shot at the 2025 world title in the final race.
McLaren has warned Max Verstappen against playing 'games' in the F1 title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, threatening to expose him to the undercut if he attempts to back the field up. With Verstappen on pole, and Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in second and third, McLaren believes their two-car advantage will provide strategic opportunities against the Red Bull, setting up a thrilling championship showdown.
Max Verstappen clinched pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, showcasing Red Bull's strong straight-line speed at Yas Marina. This sets up a thrilling race where Lando Norris aims to secure his first championship, making strategic tire choices and managing the trade-off between downforce and top speed crucial for victory.
