Lando Norris sealed his first Formula 1 world championship with a composed drive to third place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, securing the result he needed at the end of a tense season finale at Yas Marina. The Briton finished behind race winner Max Verstappen and McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, taking the title by just two points after a campaign defined by late-season momentum and relentless consistency.
Verstappen dominated the race from the front to claim his eighth win of the year, edging ahead of both McLaren drivers in the victory tally, while Piastri played a vital supporting role in second. But the evening belonged to Norris, whose controlled performance under immense pressure delivered McLaren their first drivers’ and constructors’ championship double since 1998.
Norris Delivers Under Pressure
Norris entered the finale with a 12-point lead and maintained a calm approach throughout a nervy evening for McLaren. After a cautious launch, he avoided battling Verstappen into Turn One and instead focused on managing the race from a position of control. Piastri’s early move around the outside at Turn Nine — a scenario McLaren had pre-planned — ensured the Australian could mount a strategic challenge to Verstappen while giving Norris a buffer.
As the race settled, Norris’ focus shifted to managing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc for third. After mirroring Leclerc’s switch to a two-stop strategy, he rejoined behind Piastri and calmly closed in during the closing laps, ultimately securing the position he needed to become Britain’s 11th Formula 1 world champion.
“I’ve dreamed of this for so long,” Norris said afterwards. “It’s been a long journey — a lot of ups and downs — but to finally do it with this team means everything. I’m incredibly proud of everyone.”
Verstappen Wins but Falls Short
Verstappen produced one of his most complete drives of the season, leading from the start and managing both pace and tyres with trademark control. But with Norris securely positioned in the top three throughout, the Red Bull driver always needed outside help to overturn the points deficit.
“I kept looking at the screens hoping something would change,” Verstappen said. “It didn’t, and that’s racing. I have no regrets about my season.”
The Dutchman may have missed out on a fifth consecutive title, but his performance in 2025 — particularly in the second half — reasserted his status as one of the finest drivers of his generation.
Piastri Plays the Team Game
Piastri executed McLaren’s strategy with precision, making full use of his hard-tyre opening stint to pressure Verstappen and help protect Norris’ title bid. The Australian passed Norris cleanly on the opening lap — a move agreed in advance — and spent much of the race ensuring McLaren remained in control of the wider championship picture.
Norris eventually closed in during the final laps, but McLaren maintained a clear structure, ensuring both drivers secured the positions required to bring home the team’s first championship double in 27 years.
Norris Holds Firm Against Tsunoda
The tensest moment of the race came after Norris’ first pit stop when he emerged behind Yuki Tsunoda. Red Bull had started the Japanese driver on hard tyres with the clear intention of disrupting Norris’ race, drawing comparisons to Sergio Pérez’s defensive heroics in 2021.
Tsunoda weaved aggressively down the main straight and squeezed Norris toward the edge of the track, prompting a stewards’ investigation as Norris completed the overtake with all four wheels briefly off the circuit. While Tsunoda was penalised for excessive defensive moves, Norris escaped without sanction — a critical moment in his title run.
Once clear, the McLaren driver settled back into rhythm, controlling his pace and monitoring the championship scenario as the laps ticked down.
Top 10 Results
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
3. Lando Norris (McLaren)
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
6. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
7. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
8. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull)
9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
10. Alex Albon (Williams)
Analysis: A Champion at Last
Norris’ title triumph caps a remarkable rise through the second half of the season. After a slow start, McLaren’s development surge transformed the MCL39 into the class of the field, allowing Norris and Piastri to mount a sustained challenge to Verstappen. Errors in Las Vegas and Qatar nearly derailed the effort, but McLaren arrived in Abu Dhabi with clarity, discipline, and a plan — and executed it perfectly.
The Briton becomes only the second driver to win a maiden championship in the Verstappen era, and does so by beating the Dutchman head-to-head over the course of a long and demanding season.
What’s Next?
The 2025 season ends with McLaren celebrating both championship trophies for the first time since 1998, while Norris begins his off-season as Formula 1’s newest world champion. Verstappen and Piastri will return in 2026 determined to challenge again, with new regulations promising a reset that could reshape the competitive order. F1 tickets for the new season are already available on Fanatix!
But for now, Abu Dhabi belongs to Norris, a champion at last, and the star of a season that will be remembered for years to come.
