Max Verstappen might have crossed the end line first on the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, nevertheless it was Lando Norris who emerged as the brand new Components 1 world champion, sealing his maiden title with a composed third-place end beneath the lights at Yas Marina.
Norris Secures Maiden Championship
Norris arrived in Abu Dhabi main the championship and wanted a podium to maintain his rivals behind, and he delivered precisely that. His third-place end ensured he held onto a slender factors benefit over Verstappen to clinch the crown and finish the Dutch driver’s four-year title streak. Oscar Piastri, Norris’ McLaren teammate, completed second within the race, confirming a double podium for the workforce and inserting himself third within the last standings, highlighting McLaren’s unbelievable rise throughout the season.
Norris on changing into the world champion
“I did not suppose I’d cry however I did. It’s a lengthy journey. I wish to say an enormous due to my guys, everybody at McLaren, my dad and mom. I now know what Max seems like a bit bit! I wish to congratulate Max and Oscar as properly, it has been a pleasure to race in opposition to each of them, and to study from each of them. However we did it, we did it!” Norris mentioned after the title win.
“As we have seen many instances, something can occur. So I simply saved pushing. I needed to combat to the tip. [Verstappen and Piastri] definitely didn’t make my life simple this yr. However I’m blissful! It has been an extended journey with McLaren; I have been with them for 9 years. For me to deliver one thing again to them, I really feel like I did my half for the workforce this yr. So I am pleased with myself, however I am extra pleased with the whole lot I’ve made cry,” he provides.
Verstappen Wins the Finale, Misses the Greater Prize
Verstappen did the whole lot he might by changing pole place right into a race victory, however finally missed out on the championship by just some factors, a uncommon defeat after dominating the game for a number of consecutive years. The end result marks a significant turning level in Components 1, with a brand new period seemingly on the horizon. Norris’s breakthrough title alerts a altering of the guard as McLaren mounts a critical problem to Purple Bull’s dominance.
2025 Drivers’ Championship – Prime 10
Lando Norris (McLaren) 423
Max Verstappen (Purple Bull) 421
Oscar Piastri (McLaren) 410
George Russell (Mercedes) 319
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 242
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) 156
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) 150
Alexander Albon (Williams) 73
Carlos Sainz (Williams) 64
Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) 56