Just two points separated first from second after an intense battle within the 2025 Formula 1 Drivers‘ Championship ended with Lando Norris taking the title over Red Bull driver Max Verstappen following a P3 finish in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina, behind only fellow McLaren driver Oscar Piastri and Verstappen. Verstappen won the 58-lap race via a one-stop route dominantly ahead of Piastri (+12.594s) and Norris (+16.572s) in 1:26:07.469. Amid emotional scenes in the McLaren garage, McLaren also secured the Constructors’ title, the first for the team in a double since 1998.
Race Highlights and Key Battles
Pole-sitter Verstappen cruised away comfortably and looked after his tyres perfectly on the way to his eighth win as he praised Red Bull’s transformation since being over 100 points down half-way through the season. Norris surrendered P2 to Piastri on lap one on hards before a one-stop strategy that was aggressive but kept Verstappen honest. Second-placed Norris followed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc’s two-stop late in the race to obtain P3, holding his position early from the Monegasque driver who came home P4 (+23.279s) after being forced onto the defensive once he exited for his second stop.
The midfield was also moved around thanks to various penalties, with Alex Albon (P16) getting a 5 second penalty for speeding in the pit-lane, Pierre Gasly (P19) for exceeding track limits during the race, and drivers like Lance Stroll and Oliver Bearman with less focused and determined race craft. Lewis Hamilton on a charge from P16 to P8 on Ferrari, passing aggressively
| Position | Driver | Team | Time/Gap | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 1:26:07.469 | 25 |
| 2 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | +12.594s | 18 |
| 3 | Lando Norris | McLaren | +16.572s | 15 |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | +23.279s | 12 |
| 5 | George Russell | Mercedes | +48.563s | 10 |
Team Reactions and Championship Fallout
For everyone that’s been there,” Norris said, proud of sacrifices on “tricky weekends” past amid battles with Verstappen and Piastri, as Andrea Stella praised McLaren unity for “14 wins and 34 podiums”. Verstappen praised his team’s determination even after losing the title on a tiebreaker, while Yuki Tsunoda (P14) was given a penalty for holding up Norris. Ferrari’s Leclerc lamented P4 after pursuing Norris, with Mercedes snatching P2 in the Constructors’ with P5 for Russell.
As teams looked to the upcoming 2026 regulations, Haas landed P7 through Esteban Ocon, ahead of Aston Martin (P6, Fernando Alonso). One-stop ultimately prevailed on hards and two-stops were a viable option as long as they were done on new sets, Pirelli said.
- Both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships to McLaren
- Red Bull pride: Dominant race win - despite title loss
- P2 for Mercedes in Constructors’: Russell’s one-man battle for P5 clinched it.
Driver Quotes and Future Outlook
Verstappen then added about his emotional first title: “It’s been a big roller coaster… very proud,” before congratulating Norris. Piastri said: “Great to race Lando for 5 more years… best driver pairing for 2026” Norris put it simply: “Privilege to race them… rewarding their efforts.”
Williams and Racing Bulls reflected on a positive day and turned their sights back to winter testing. New tires and pan-European 2026 regulations promise to herald a new era for the sport even before Norris’s victory, but now Norris sits among its legends.
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FAQ
- Abu Dhabi GP 2025 ใหม่ใคร ได้แชมป์ Max Verstappen.
- How did Norris win the title? P3, two points clear of Verstappen.
- McLaren achievements? Drivers’ and Constructors’ doubles.
- Key penalties? Albon Pitspeed Gasly Track limits Others defending
- Piastri’s result? P2 on a one-stop strategy.
- Ferrari finish? P4 for Leclerc, P8 after starting P16 for Hamilton
- Constructors’ P2? Mercedes beat Ferrari.
- Next for F1? 2026 regulations and Abu Dhabi end of season tests.
