Norris crowned F1 World Champion after a tense Abu Dhabi showdown that ended with the McLaren driver taking third place to secure the title by two points.
Norris Holds Position Under Early Pressure
Verstappen launched cleanly from pole and blocked any move from Norris at Turn 1. Piastri seized the moment and passed his team-mate soon after to place Norris in third.
Leclerc then became the threat as the Ferrari driver pushed hard during the opening laps. Norris managed the pressure well and created a small yet vital gap.
Mid-Race Traffic Shapes the Fight
Norris and Leclerc stopped together for Hard tyres and rejoined in dense traffic. Norris reacted quickly and cleared Antonelli and Albon before dispatching Stroll with a bold move.
Tsunoda later attempted to slow the McLaren, forcing Norris wide. The stewards penalised the Red Bull driver for weaving as Norris pushed through decisively.
Piastri and Verstappen Extend the Pace Up Front
Verstappen controlled the race with consistent pace while Piastri maintained second. Their strong stints allowed both to remain out of reach as the laps unfolded.
Norris Protects the Championship Margin
Ferrari stopped Leclerc again, and McLaren mirrored the call. The title rivals ran close for several laps, but Norris gradually pulled away as his tyres came alive.
In the final phase he closed on Piastri yet held position as the team reminded him of the stakes.
Power and Performance
The McLaren showed strong straight-line speed and stable balance on the Hard compound. Norris used the car’s traction advantage to clear traffic and to counter Leclerc’s repeated attacks.
Final Laps Seal the Championship
Verstappen crossed the line twelve seconds ahead for his eighth win of the year. Piastri completed a strong campaign with second place and secured third in the standings.
Norris finished third and ended the season with 423 points, becoming the 35th World Champion after edging Verstappen by just two.
Season Ends With Tight Midfield Order
Leclerc claimed fourth ahead of Russell. Alonso finished sixth for Aston Martin, securing seventh in the Constructors’. Ocon took seventh, Hamilton climbed to eighth, and Hülkenberg earned points in his final Sauber race.
Summary
Norris delivered a controlled and determined drive under heavy pressure. Verstappen won the race, yet Norris’ strategy, pace, and composure across the year secured a hard-fought first championship.
| Pos | Driver | Car |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing |
| 2 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 3 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 5 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 6 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin |
| 7 | Esteban Ocon | Haas |
| 8 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 9 | Oliver Bearman | Haas |
| 10 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin |
| 11 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Kick Sauber |
| 12 | Nico Hulkenberg | Kick Sauber |
| 13 | Carlos Sainz | Williams |
| 14 | Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull Racing |
| 15 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 16 | Alexander Albon | Williams |
| 17 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls |
| 18 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls |
| 19 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
| 20 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine |
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Source: FIA
