Lando Norris Crowned World Champion: Abu Dhabi Brings a Historic 2025 Season to a Close

The 2025 Formula 1 season delivered its final verdict in Abu Dhabi, at the end of a Grand Prix where everything was still at stake. For the first time since 2010, three drivers arrived at the final round with a genuine chance of winning the world title. On the Yas Marina circuit, host of the now-famous “Sunset Grand Prix,” tension was at its peak as the race began in daylight and finished under the floodlights.

After nine months of competition, a clear hierarchy finally emerged. Lando Norris became Formula 1 World Champion for the first time in his career.

 

A High-Pressure Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Even before the start, all the ingredients were in place for a dramatic finale. Championship leader Lando Norris lined up alongside Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri in the top three grid positions. Behind them, George Russell and Charles Leclerc completed the top five, ready to seize any opportunity.

In the race, Max Verstappen did exactly what was required: he won. The Red Bull driver claimed victory in Abu Dhabi, but without being able to fully control his destiny. Norris, meanwhile, managed his race with composure. Under sustained pressure, particularly from Charles Leclerc, the British driver successfully covered rival strategies and avoided any mistakes. 

A key moment came during his duel with Yuki Tsunoda. On worn tyres, the Japanese driver defended aggressively along the long straight, forcing Norris to slightly exceed track limits to complete the overtake. An investigation was launched, creating several tense laps. In the end, the stewards penalised Tsunoda for repeated changes of direction, while Norris escaped any sanction.

Despite Verstappen’s victory, Norris’ third-place finish was enough. The Briton crossed the line knowing he had done what was necessary.

 

Lando Norris, World Champion for the First Time

At 26 years old, Lando Norris became the 35th world champion in Formula 1 history. He secured his first title with just a two-point advantage over Max Verstappen, while Oscar Piastri finished the season third in the championship.

This title rewards rare loyalty. Developed by McLaren and promoted to Formula 1 by the British team, Norris grew with the outfit all the way to the top. Yet his 2025 season was far from smooth sailing. After a strong start and positive momentum, he faced more difficult moments, particularly in the closing rounds, as pressure intensified.

But where others faltered, Norris held firm. He had already missed a first match point in Qatar. In Abu Dhabi, he did not let the second slip away.

 

Final Standings and Review of the 2025 Season

Behind the leading trio, the 2025 season established a clear hierarchy.
• Lando Norris is the Drivers’ World Champion.
• Max Verstappen finishes second.
• Oscar Piastri completes the final podium.

In the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren had already secured the title in Singapore. The team therefore claims its second consecutive crown and its tenth overall. Mercedes secures second place, returning to a level close to that shown in 2023. Red Bull finishes third, while Ferrari must settle for fourth place, its worst result since the introduction of the ground-effect regulations.

 

2026: A Technical Revolution Ahead

From 2026, Formula 1 will enter a new phase. The DRS will disappear, replaced by an active aerodynamics system. Cars will be equipped with movable wings, allowing drivers to switch from a high-downforce mode for corners to a low-drag mode for straights. The objective is clear: to encourage overtaking.  

The cars will also become more compact. Width will be reduced from 2 metres to 1.90 metres, while minimum weight will drop to 768 kg, compared with 800 kg in 2025. By comparison, a Formula 1 car in 2013 weighed just 642 kg.

Power units will also undergo major changes. Engines will operate on a 50 percent thermal and 50 percent electric basis, using sustainable fuels as part of the carbon neutrality target set for 2030.

The 2026 season will also see the arrival of two new teams. Audi will permanently replace Sauber, while Cadillac will join the grid, increasing the number of teams to eleven. A total of 22 drivers will therefore compete across the 24 Grands Prix on the calendar.

 

Lando Norris’ title in Abu Dhabi perfectly brings an intense 2025 season to a close. It symbolises the end of a cycle, both sporting and technical, and opens the door to a new era for Formula 1.