Lando Norris leads the F1 World Championship and seeks his first title in Abu Dhabi
British driver Lando Norris, representing McLaren, arrives at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the leader of the Formula One World Championship in the 2025 season. The last race of the year at the Yas Marina circuit is crucial in defining the champion.
Norris, with his sights set on his first world title, faces competition from his teammate, Oscar Piastri, and the reigning four-time champion, Max Verstappen (Red Bull), who still maintain their aspirations.
Norris leads the standings with 408 points, closely followed by Verstappen (396) and Piastri (392). McLaren has already secured the constructors’ championship, but now the pressure is on for the drivers’ title.Norris’ Options
For Lando Norris, 25, securing a podium finish is enough to guarantee the championship. Even a fifth place would suffice if Verstappen doesn’t win the race. If the Dutchman wins, the Briton must finish fourth or better to prevent Verstappen from retaining the crown.Piastri, in search of the feat
Australian Oscar Piastri, 24, has the chance to become his country’s first world champion since Alan Jones (1980). To achieve this, he needs to win the race and hope that Norris doesn’t surpass sixth place. A second place would give him the title only if Lando finishes tenth or worse and Verstappen doesn’t go beyond fourth.Verstappen and the comeback
After an irregular start, Verstappen resurfaced and has won five of the last eight races. The Dutchman arrives with momentum after his victory in Qatar, reaching 70 career victories.
To be champion for the fifth consecutive time, Verstappen must win in Abu Dhabi and hope that Norris doesn’t improve on fourth position.A World Cup with excitement
The last Grand Prix added drama to the definition, reopening the fight for the title. In Lusail, Piastri won the sprint, but Verstappen took the main race. Carlos Sainz (Williams) completed the podium, while Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) finished seventh in Qatar.What’s coming in Yas Marina
Mexican Pato O’Ward will replace Piastri in Friday’s first free practice session. The tests will continue on Saturday, before the qualifying session that will define the starting grid for Sunday’s race, scheduled for 58 laps.
This will be the second time in 15 years that the title is decided between three drivers in the last race, the previous one was in 2010, also in Abu Dhabi.
A Verstappen victory that gives him the title would mean one of the greatest comebacks in Formula One history.
