Lando Norris is the new Formula 1 World Champion, sealing the title with a composed third-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — a position that, fittingly, had always been enough to deliver him the crown.
The race itself belonged to Max Verstappen, who did everything he needed by winning the Grand Prix with force and determination. But the bigger triumph was happening behind him: Norris, calm under pressure, executed the perfect drive to clinch his first world championship, becoming the man of the moment in McLaren’s historic return to F1 glory.
Oscar Piastri, meanwhile, finished second on the track but ultimately ended the season third in the championship, as McLaren split strategies between their two title contenders.
Strategic Chess Match: McLaren Plays Both Sides — Until It Matters Most
From the start, McLaren’s intentions were clear:
Two drivers, two strategies, one goal — bring the championship home to Woking.
But when the pace stabilized in the decisive middle phase of the race, the picture sharpened:
McLaren backed Norris for the title, giving him the clean air and track position he needed to stay ahead of danger and maintain the championship advantage.
It worked flawlessly.
A Season of Highs, Lows, and a Deserving Champion
The 2025 Formula 1 season has been anything but predictable — a roller coaster of dominance, errors, comebacks, and championship swings. Through it all, Lando Norris rose above the chaos, delivering a campaign of remarkable consistency, raw speed, and unshakeable mental resolve.
Today in Abu Dhabi, that journey reached its peak.
