Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025: a historic finale between Norris, Verstappen and Piastri

The 2025 season is coming to an end, and it is on the Yas Marina Circuit that everything will be decided. Abu Dhabi once again hosts the final act of the championship, in a unique setting where the race begins in daylight and ends at night. Nicknamed the “Sunset Grand Prix”, the 58-lap event will be the stage for a rare scenario: three drivers still in contention for the world title.

A three-way finale had not happened since 2010. With rising pressure and a circuit that punishes the slightest mistake, Abu Dhabi promises to be one of the most important Grands Prix in recent years.

From Qatar to Abu Dhabi: a revived season and three title contenders

The Qatar Grand Prix completely reshuffled the deck in the title fight, due to an exceptional rule imposed by Pirelli: each tyre set could only be used for a maximum of 25 laps, making two pit stops mandatory for all drivers. In such a context, the management of a potential safety car became crucial.

On lap 7, the collision between Nico Hülkenberg and Pierre Gasly triggered the safety car. For the entire grid, it was the perfect moment to make a first stop without losing time. All teams immediately called their drivers into the pits… except McLaren.

McLaren’s choice was motivated by a desire to maintain internal fairness: the team did not want to favour either Oscar Piastri, who was leading, or Lando Norris, who was third, by calling one before the other. A decision made to preserve harmony, but contrary to the usual strategic logic of F1, where a lead driver is often clearly defined, and protected, in key moments.

The outcome was immediate:

• Verstappen, who stopped at the perfect moment, benefitted from a no-loss pit stop and found himself ideally positioned for the rest of the race.
• Piastri, who had been the fastest until then, lost the lead when he had to stop later in far less favourable conditions.
• Norris suffered the same fate: out of sync strategically, he gradually slipped down the order as the race went on.

In the end, Verstappen won ahead of Piastri, while Norris could do no better than fourth. This scenario completely reshapes the championship: Norris 408 pts, Verstappen 396, Piastri 392 heading into Abu Dhabi.

Title scenarios: who can become world champion?

The situation is simple: all three drivers can leave Abu Dhabi as world champion, but each must fulfil very different conditions.

Lando Norris – 408 points

Norris becomes champion if he:
• finishes on the podium, regardless of the others’ results;
• finishes 4th or 5th and Verstappen does not win;
• finishes 6th or 7th and Verstappen OR Piastri do not win;
• finishes 8th, Verstappen is not in the top two and Piastri does not win;
• finishes 9th, Verstappen does not make the podium and Piastri does not win;
• finishes 10th or outside the points, Verstappen does not make the podium and Piastri does not finish better than 3rd.

Norris therefore retains the largest number of favourable scenarios, but some remain extremely risky: a single strategic misstep could be enough to lose the title. 

Max Verstappen – 396 points

For several races, he has climbed back into the title fight… and has now earned a genuine shot at a fifth world crown. To simplify: if Verstappen does not reach the podium, he has no chance of becoming champion. Verstappen becomes champion if he:
• wins and Norris does not finish on the podium;
• finishes 2nd, Norris is outside the Top 7 and Piastri does not win;
• finishes 3rd, Norris is outside the Top 8 and Piastri does not win.

Verstappen therefore needs a flawless race and a significant setback from Norris. Piastri is also a threat in several scenarios. 

Oscar Piastri – 392 points

The Australian is third in the standings, but far from out. For him, one rule applies: he must beat Norris AND Verstappen. Piastri becomes champion if he:
• wins and Norris is outside the Top 5;
• finishes 2nd, Norris is outside the Top 8 and Verstappen outside the Top 3.

Piastri must aim very high and hope for a difficult race for both his rivals. 

Behind the scenes: Isack Hadjar promoted to Red Bull for 2026

While the title battle dominates the headlines, a major announcement has stirred the paddock: Isack Hadjar will join Red Bull in 2026. After only one season with Racing Bulls, the Frenchman has impressed with his maturity, speed and consistency.

With 51 points this year, he currently sits 10th in the championship, well ahead of Yuki Tsunoda, only 15th, whom he will replace next season. This change reflects a clear direction: Red Bull wants to invest in the future while maintaining a strong structure around Max Verstappen. Hadjar will therefore race alongside the four-time world champion starting in 2026. 

A finale worthy of the greatest seasons

Yas Marina is preparing to host an exceptional showdown: three drivers still in contention, three different trajectories and tension that has been building for weeks. Norris has the numbers on his side, Verstappen the experience and momentum, Piastri the resilience and speed.

The 2025 season will deliver, no matter what happens, a finale that will be remembered. Abu Dhabi has often been the stage for decisive moments. This year, it may well write one of the greatest chapters in modern Formula 1 history.