2025 F1 Championship Down to the Wire: How the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Decides Everything

The 2025 Formula One World Championship will be decided this Sunday. For the first time in 15 years, three drivers enter the final race with a shot at the title. Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri will battle under the lights at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

According to race analysis from Reuters, Norris leads the standings with 408 points. Defending champion Max Verstappen is close behind with 396. Teammate Oscar Piastri sits third with 392 points, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.

Lando Norris’s Path to a First Title

Norris controls his own destiny in Abu Dhabi. The McLaren driver simply needs to finish on the podium to secure his maiden championship. This fact underscores his strong position heading into the weekend.

His season was nearly derailed by a shocking disqualification in Las Vegas. That penalty brought his rivals back into contention. Despite that setback, consecutive wins in Mexico and Brazil built his current points cushion.

A podium finish would make him the first McLaren champion since 2008. If he finishes lower, the scenarios become complex and depend heavily on his rivals’ results.

Max Verstappen’s Charge for a Fifth Straight Crown

Max Verstappen’s late-season surge has been remarkable. The Red Bull driver was far behind in the summer but has since won five races. He has closed a massive gap to make this a true three-way fight.

He does not control his own destiny, however. Verstappen must finish on the podium and hope Norris falters. The four-time champion needs specific combinations of results to claim an unprecedented fifth consecutive title.

His performance since August is widely considered one of his most impressive career stretches. It has transformed the championship battle completely.

Oscar Piastri’s Outside Chance at Glory

Oscar Piastri led the championship for much of the season. The young Australian’s form dipped after the summer break, costing him the lead. He now faces the longest odds of the three contenders.

Piastri must win the race and hope Norris finishes sixth or worse. A second-place finish requires even more specific misfortune for both Norris and Verstappen. His season remains a stellar performance, regardless of the final outcome.

The 24-year-old has proven he belongs among the sport’s elite. This experience will be invaluable for future championship campaigns.

The 2025 champion will be crowned Sunday after a tense Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This three-way showdown promises a thrilling conclusion to one of the most competitive F1 seasons in recent memory.

Info at your fingertips

When was the last three-way F1 title decider?

The last time three drivers were in contention at the final race was in 2010. That year, Sebastian Vettel won his first championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

What happens if drivers finish with equal points?

If two or more drivers finish the season with equal points, the title is decided by countback. The driver with the most race wins would be champion.

Who is the favorite to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

Max Verstappen has won the last three editions of the Abu Dhabi GP. Historical performance at the Yas Marina Circuit gives him a slight edge, according to BBC Sport analysis.

Can the Constructors’ Championship still change?

No. McLaren secured the 2025 Constructors’ Championship at the previous race in Las Vegas. The final race is solely for the drivers’ title.

Why did Oscar Piastri’s form drop off?

Analysis suggests the sequence of tracks after the summer break did not suit his driving style. This led to inconsistent results compared to his dominant first half of the season.