Lando Norris Wins First F1 World Championship as Verstappen Triumphs in Abu Dhabi

In an unforgettable finale to the 2025 Formula One season, McLaren’s Lando Norris captured his first-ever F1 World Championship, leaving Red Bull’s Max Verstappen just behind in the standings. Norris’s emotional triumph came as Verstappen won the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, with McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri finishing second.

The British driver, now Britain’s 11th Formula One world champion, ended the season with 423 points, narrowly edging Verstappen, who finished the year with 421 points. Piastri completed the top three in the drivers’ standings with 410 points, solidifying McLaren’s dominance in the season.

Norris Ends Verstappen’s Four-Year Reign

Verstappen, who claimed more race victories than any other driver this season with eight wins, crossed the finish line first at the Yas Marina Circuit, but it wasn’t enough to secure his fifth consecutive world title. The victory denied Verstappen the rare feat of five championships in a row, a record previously achieved only by Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher.

McLaren, meanwhile, made history by winning both the constructors’ championship and the drivers’ championship in the same season for the first time since 1998. The team had already secured the constructors’ crown in October, making this a landmark year for the iconic British outfit.

An Emotional Victory for Norris

Tears of joy streamed down Norris’s face as he celebrated his first world championship. “I’ve not cried in a while.“I didn’t expect to cry, but the emotions got to me,” he said, sharing how overwhelmed he felt even inside his helmet.

“It feels amazing. I now know what Max feels like a little bit,” Norris said, highlighting the long-standing rivalry that defined much of the season. He also paid tribute to his closest competitors: “I want to congratulate Max and Oscar, my two biggest competitors the whole season. It’s been a pleasure to race against both of them. It’s been an honour; I’ve learned a lot from both.”

The display of sportsmanship continued after the race. Norris’s mother, Cisca, offered a consoling hug to Piastri, while Verstappen and Piastri both congratulated Norris, underscoring the camaraderie within the sport.

Top Finishers at the Abu Dhabi GP

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix produced a thrilling conclusion to the season. Max Verstappen claimed first place, followed by Oscar Piastri, who finished just 12.5 seconds behind. Charles Leclerc secured fourth for Ferrari, with George Russell finishing fifth for Mercedes. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso came in sixth, while Esteban Ocon finished seventh for Haas.

Lewis Hamilton, now seven-time world champion, experienced a challenging season. Racing for Ferrari after leaving Mercedes, the 40-year-old failed to stand on the podium all year, marking a career low. He finished eighth in Abu Dhabi, behind Ocon and ahead of Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg, who celebrated his 250th Formula One race in ninth place. Lance Stroll completed the top ten for Aston Martin.

A Historic Season for McLaren

The 2025 season has been a landmark year for McLaren. Securing both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships in the same year highlighted the team’s return to the pinnacle of F1 racing. With Norris’s breakthrough performance and Piastri consistently on the podium, McLaren demonstrated depth, strategy, and teamwork that few teams could rival this year.

For Norris, the season was defined not just by wins but by consistency, composure under pressure, and his ability to capitalize on every opportunity. Ending Verstappen’s four-year streak adds a historic dimension to his achievement and marks a changing of the guard in Formula One.

Looking Ahead

As the F1 calendar closes on a dramatic season, attention now shifts to preparations for 2026. Teams will analyze this season’s performances, car developments, and driver strategies to determine how they can challenge McLaren’s supremacy. Meanwhile, fans are already speculating whether Norris can defend his title or if Verstappen will reclaim his dominance next year.

Norris’s emotional championship and McLaren’s dual triumph have captured the imagination of motorsport enthusiasts around the world. The 2025 Formula One season will be remembered as a historic milestone in the sport, signaling a new era where determination, teamwork, and talent converge to produce unforgettable racing moments.