Norris Crowned 2025 Formula 1 World Champion as Abu Dhabi Finale Delivers High Drama
The curtain has officially fallen on the 2025 Formula 1 season, and it could not have ended with a more emotional, high-stakes climax. Lando Norris, after years of chasing his first world title, finally secured the coveted crown at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, becoming the 35th world champion in F1 history. Although the McLaren star finished third in the final race of the season, it was more than enough to clinch the championship, sealing his name among the elite of the sport.
While Max Verstappen took the race victory at Yas Marina, the Dutchman ultimately fell short in the championship fight, ending the season just two points behind Norris. Despite delivering one of his strongest drives of the year on Sunday, the Red Bull driver’s earlier penalty struggles came back to haunt him, leaving him agonisingly close to what would have been his fifth consecutive world title.
A Decisive Race Under the Yas Marina Lights
Heading into the Abu Dhabi finale, Norris held a 12-point advantage over Verstappen—an advantage that meant a podium finish would secure the championship, regardless of what his rivals achieved. Under immense pressure and with millions of eyes watching, Norris delivered a composed, mature performance that showcased his evolution from a rising star to a world-class champion.
Oscar Piastri also played a crucial role in McLaren’s celebration-filled evening. The Australian finished second behind Verstappen, ensuring the team maximised its strategic position. His support mirrored the teamwork that had defined McLaren’s incredible 2025 campaign. The 1–2 McLaren finish was avoided only by Verstappen’s blistering pace, but with Norris locking in P3, the team’s primary mission was accomplished.
The podium, therefore, told two stories: Verstappen’s race victory and Norris’s world title.
McLaren Return to Championship Glory
Norris’s triumph also marks a significant milestone for McLaren. The Woking-based team lifted its first drivers’ championship since Lewis Hamilton’s iconic 2008 title run. After more than a decade of rebuilding, restructuring, and steady progress, McLaren finally returned to the top of the sport—this time with a driver they have nurtured from his teenage years.
Team principal Andrea Stella praised both drivers, highlighting how the pair pushed each other throughout the season while maintaining a strong working relationship. For McLaren, this title represents not just a huge sporting achievement but the payoff for years of investment, technical reorganisation, and bold innovation in car design.
Verstappen Falls Short Despite Victory
Max Verstappen may have taken the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi, but the result carried a bittersweet note. The Dutch driver delivered a dominant performance, finishing over 12 seconds ahead of Piastri and appearing every bit the relentless competitor he has always been. But his earlier penalty issues—particularly those that derailed strategic weekends earlier in the season—ultimately cost him vital points.
As a result, Verstappen finishes the year second in the standings, a narrow two points behind Norris. Despite missing out on the title, his consistency and resilience throughout 2025 remain deeply respected across the paddock.
Full Classification: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025
The FIA confirmed the final classification with all penalties applied shortly after the race. Penalties notably affected drivers such as Lance Stroll and Oliver Bearman, who each received five-second sanctions for making more than one change of direction while defending. Williams driver Alex Albon also took a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane, while Alpine’s Pierre Gasly was punished for exceeding track limits.
Below is the official finishing order:
1. Max Verstappen — Red Bull
2. Oscar Piastri — McLaren (+12.594s)
3. Lando Norris — McLaren (+16.572s)
4. Charles Leclerc — Ferrari (+23.279s)
5. George Russell — Mercedes (+48.563s)
6. Fernando Alonso — Aston Martin (+67.562s)
7. Esteban Ocon — Haas (+69.876s)
8. Lewis Hamilton — Ferrari (+72.670s)
9. Nico Hülkenberg — Kick Sauber (+79.014s)
10. Lance Stroll — Aston Martin* (+79.523s)
11. Gabriel Bortoleto — Kick Sauber (+81.043s)
12. Oliver Bearman — Haas* (+81.116s)
13. Carlos Sainz — Williams (+82.158s)
14. Yuki Tsunoda — Red Bull (+83.794s)
15. Kimi Antonelli — Mercedes (+84.399s)
16. Alex Albon — Williams** (+90.327s)
17. Isack Hadjar — Racing Bulls (+1 lap)
18. Liam Lawson — Racing Bulls (+1 lap)
19. Pierre Gasly* — Alpine (+1 lap)
20. Franco Colapinto — Alpine (+1 lap)
A Historic Season Ends — A New Era Begins
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix closes out a season defined by fierce rivalries, dramatic flashpoints, and the emergence of new stars. But above all, it will be remembered as the year Lando Norris fulfilled his destiny. With his first world championship secured, the world now watches to see whether this is the beginning of a new era dominated by the McLaren driver—or whether Verstappen will return stronger than ever in 2026.
