Norris Secures Maiden F1 Title in Abu Dhabi with Podium Finish Behind Verstappen and Piastri

Sports

Lando Norris has been crowned Formula 1 World Champion for the first time in his career after a composed and controlled drive to the podium in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, sealing the 2025 title at the end of a tense season finale at Yas Marina Circuit. The McLaren star finished third behind race winner Max Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri, securing enough points to clinch the championship after a year long battle filled with momentum swings, dramatic races and high pressure showdowns.

Verstappen dominated the final race of the season with a clinical performance from pole. The Red Bull driver controlled the pace from the opening laps and never looked threatened, delivering one of his cleanest drives of the year. Piastri, meanwhile, delivered an exceptional run of his own, matching Verstappen’s pace for much of the race and crossing the line in second to complete a double podium for McLaren.

But the spotlight remained firmly on Norris, who entered the finale leading the standings and knowing a podium would guarantee the title regardless of Verstappen’s finishing position. The Briton managed the race with maturity far beyond his years, avoiding unnecessary risks, executing McLaren’s strategy flawlessly and maintaining the focus needed to bring home the result that would finally confirm him as world champion.

The decisive moment came in the final stint when Norris resisted pressure from behind while keeping his tyres alive to stay comfortably within the podium positions. Once the chequered flag fell, the radio erupted with emotion as the 25 year old celebrated the achievement he had chased since his debut. After years of near-misses, heartbreaks and close battles, Norris finally stood at the top of the sport.

Further back, George Russell finished fourth for Mercedes after a solid closing stint, while teammate Kimi Antonelli capped off his rookie season with another points-scoring drive. Ferrari endured a more difficult evening, with Lewis Hamilton finishing outside the top five and Charles Leclerc unable to challenge the front-running pace.

McLaren’s double podium also secured them a dominant finish to the season’s Constructors’ standings, continuing the team’s remarkable resurgence. But the night belonged to Norris, who stepped out of the car to a wave of cheers from the grandstands and embraced his team as world champion at last.

After years of rising promise and steady growth, Lando Norris has completed his journey. Abu Dhabi delivered the perfect stage for the new champion’s crowning moment, marking the beginning of a new era for both the driver and McLaren.