Lando Norris Seizes First Formula 1 Crown in Tense 2025 Abu Dhabi Finale

Lando Norris is the 2025 Formula One world champion. The McLaren driver secured his first title in a dramatic season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He finished third in the race, holding off a fierce challenge from Max Verstappen. Verstappen won the race but fell just two points short in the final standings.

According to official F1 race reports, Norris entered the finale with a 12-point lead. His third-place finish, coupled with Verstappen’s win, was enough to clinch the championship. The result ends Max Verstappen’s four-year reign as champion and crowns a new king of Formula 1.

McLaren’s Strategic Mastery Seals Historic Victory

The championship battle went down to the final laps. Verstappen took pole position, putting immediate pressure on Norris. The situation grew tense when Norris’s teammate, Oscar Piastri, passed him early in the race. A fourth-place finish would have handed the title to Verstappen.

Norris and his McLaren team remained flawless under pressure. The pit crew executed perfect stops. Norris then delivered a masterclass in overtaking, cutting through the midfield with decisive moves. He solidified his podium position and sealed the championship with 423 total points to Verstappen’s 421.

Norris’s Season of Resilience Culminates in Glory

This title caps a remarkable season of growth for the 26-year-old Briton. His campaign had a rocky start. Teammate Oscar Piastri led the standings early on. A low point came at the Canadian Grand Prix where Norris crashed into Piastri and failed to finish.

That incident became a turning point. Norris found a new level of consistency and speed. He won crucial races in Austria, Great Britain, and a double victory in São Paulo. According to analysis from Reuters, these late-season wins built the points cushion he desperately needed in Abu Dhabi. His composure in the finale proved he had matured into a complete world champion.

Lando Norris has rewritten F1 history, becoming the first McLaren champion since 2008. His 2025 title victory marks the thrilling dawn of a new era in the sport’s premier championship.

Info at your fingertips

Who won the 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ championship?

McLaren’s Lando Norris won the 2025 Formula 1 world championship. He clinched the title by finishing third in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

How many points did Lando Norris win by?

Norris won the championship by a mere two points. He finished the season with 423 points, just ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who had 421.

Did Max Verstappen win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

Yes, Max Verstappen won the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from pole position. However, his victory was not enough to overtake Norris in the championship standings.

When was McLaren’s last drivers’ championship before this?

McLaren’s last drivers’ championship was won by Lewis Hamilton in 2008. Lando Norris’s 2025 title ends a 17-year drought for the team.

Where did Oscar Piastri finish in the championship?

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished third in the 2025 championship standings. He secured the position by finishing second in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.