Historic Finale at Yas Marina! Norris Crowned Champion in Abu Dhabi

The 2025 Formula 1 season ended with a tense and dramatic finale at the Yas Marina Circuit. Arriving in Abu Dhabi with three title contenders, McLaren driver Lando Norris made history by becoming World Champion for the first time in his career. Although Max Verstappen won the race, he missed out on the championship by just two points.

After the Mexican Grand Prix, Norris had led the standings, but the pressure in the final races was immense. A double disqualification in Las Vegas and a strategic mistake in Qatar significantly reduced his advantage, pushing the title decider into the final round.

In Abu Dhabi, a podium finish was enough for Norris. The McLaren driver avoided risks, maintained consistent pace, and secured third place, sealing his championship. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc maintained close pursuit throughout the race but could not stop the Briton from claiming the title.

After crossing the finish line, Norris gave an emotional statement:

“I’ve dreamed of this moment for many years. The season was tough, but with the support of my team, we reached the top. It’s hard to put this feeling into words.”

Starting from pole position, Max Verstappen delivered a dominant performance to take his eighth win of the season. However, the victory wasn’t enough to secure his fifth world title. The four-time champion evaluated the result as follows:

“We fought until the end. I’m proud of our turnaround in the second half of the season. That’s sport – sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t. Life goes on.”

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri also started the race determined to keep his title hopes alive. The Australian executed an exceptional overtaking maneuver on Norris around the outside of Turn 9 on the opening lap—one of the finest moves of the season.

However, in the final phase, tire advantage played into Verstappen’s hands, leaving Piastri to finish second and take third place in the Drivers’ Championship.

The finale also decided the Constructors’ title. After securing the Drivers’ Championship, McLaren also clinched the Constructors’ crown, achieving a double triumph.

Mercedes claimed second place in the standings thanks to George Russell’s fifth-place finish, pushing Red Bull down to third. Despite Verstappen’s win, Red Bull had to settle for the bronze position.

Ferrari finished fourth. Williams locked in fifth thanks to earlier results in Qatar, while Racing Bulls remained sixth after failing to score in the final round.