Abu Dhabi GP: Results, Highlights, and More as Lando Norris Wins 2025 Title

Max Verstappen took the race victory, with Oscar Piastri finishing second, completing a McLaren 2–3 that secured the title for Norris.

How the Championship Was Decided

Coming into the finale, three drivers: Verstappen, Piastri, and Norris, were separated by twelve points, setting up a winner-takes-all showdown.

Verstappen dominated the race from pole and led almost every lap. Still, the championship equation always leaned toward the British driver, who only needed a podium to guarantee the title regardless of the Dutch driver’s result.

Even with the Red Bull driver controlling the pace, all eyes remained on the two McLarens behind. Norris stayed calm through the closing laps, absorbing the pressure while fending off the late charge from Piastri.

A flawless final stint secured P3 and the points required to become World Champion for the first time in his career.

2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Race Highlights

• Verstappen surged to his eighth win of the season, but it wasn’t enough to overturn Norris in the standings.
• Piastri pushed aggressively in the final 10 laps, closing the gap to Verstappen before settling for second.
• Norris saved his best pace for the end, trimming the deficit to his teammate between 2.8 seconds and locking in the podium he needed.
• Ferrari and Mercedes attempted strategic undercuts, but neither could disrupt the McLarens’ championship charge.
• Leclerc faded late, finishing outside the podium fight, while Russell took a lonely P5.
• Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda were handed five-second time penalties.

When Norris crossed the line, the radio told the story : emotion, relief, and disbelief. “Take a bow, Lando Norris,” the F1 live coverage declared as the Brit secured a moment that fans have waited years for.

Final Race Results: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

1. Max Verstappen
2. Oscar Piastri
3. Lando Norris
4. Charles Leclerc
5. George Russell
6. Fernando Alonso
7. Esteban Ocon
8. Lewis Hamilton
9. Nico Hulkenberg
10. Lance Stroll

11 to 20: Gabriel Bortoleto, Oliver Bearman, Carlos Sainz , Yuki Tsunoda, Kimi Antonelli, Alex Albon, Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson, Pierre Gasly, and Franco Colapinto

Final Takeaway

Verstappen may have won the race, but 2025 belongs to Lando Norris. After years of near-misses, setbacks, and heartbreak, the 25-year-old finally reached the summit of Formula 1.

His perseverance, late-season resurgence, and composed drive in Abu Dhabi completed a comeback story worthy of McLaren’s legacy.

The papaya team leaves Yas Marina with:

• 2025 Drivers’ World Championship - Lando Norris
• 2025 Constructors’ Championship - McLaren
• Piastri finished runner-up in the race and third in the title hunt

The 2025 season goes down as one of the most competitive of the modern era, and the sport now officially has a new World Champion.