Lando Norris takes home the Drivers’ Championship after a crucial podium finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The British driver crossed the line behind Championship contender Max Verstappen and teammate/ fellow Championship contender Oscar Piastri.
It had been since 2021 that a season delivered a finale this thrilling, with three drivers still in the running for the world Championship. Max Verstappen needed to win the Grand Prix and hope Norris finished no higher than fourth to secure his fifth title. Oscar Piastri also needed a win and hoped his teammate would finish no higher than sixth. Lando Norris, meanwhile, required only a podium to claim the world title. The stage was set for an iconic end to the 2025 season.
Max Verstappen was off to a strong start after qualifying on pole position, with Norris alongside him on the front row and Oscar Piastri completing the top three. Millions of fans around the world held their breath as the lights went out for the final time this season. Turn 1 immediately showed how many drivers wanted to make in this decisive race. Lando Norris, however, chose not take unnecessary risks, allowing Oscar Piastri to overtake him for second place. Norris dropped to third place, still good enough for the Championship.
The following laps turned into tactical precision work orchestrated by the Red Bull team. Max Verstappen maintained a slow pace to keep Charles Leclerc close to Norris, with the Monegasque driver putting the Championship leader under constant pressure by staying withing DRS range.
Norris held his position and went into the pits after 17 laps, rejoining the track in ninth place. The road to the podium and Championship had to begin again. He quickly overtook Mercedes’ Antonelli and Williams driver Carlos Sainz. Norris then showed he was Championship-worthy with a double overtake on Lance stroll and Liam Lawson.
Next up was Max Verstappen’ teammate Yuki Tsnunoda. Who clearly was given the mission to hold off Norris as long as possible. Hearts stopped as Norris took the inside line to overtake Tsunoda and an incident for both drivers was noted. With the entire world watching, the FIA needed to make the right call: had Norris left the track and gained an advantage, or did Tsunoda make too many defensive moves? What felt like an eternity for fans ended when the FIA decision flashed on screens: a five-second penalty for Tsunoda due to making too many moves in defending his third place.
The race then finally came into place as Verstappen reclaimed the lead from Piastri after his pit stop. Norris also came back into the pits, following Ferrari’s double-stop strategy. Verstappen crossed the finish line for the eight time this season as winner, followed by Oscar Piastri. Norris saw his family and friends watching as he crossed the finish line as world Champion.
Tears filled his eyes as he said over the radio: 'Oh, shit. Thank you guys. Oh my god. You made a kid’s dream true, thanks so much. I love you guys, thanks for everything. You deserve it. I love you, mom, I love you, dad. Thanks for everything. I’m not crying.'
So with that, and after a margin of only two points, Formula One has a new World Champion: Lando Norris.
PHOTO CREDIT:
WRITTEN BY: Fien Messiaen
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