Lando Norris Crowned 2025 Formula 1 World Champion After Abu Dhabi Thriller

Lando Norris Secures Maiden World Title in Dramatic Abu Dhabi Finale

Lando Norris has officially joined Formula 1’s elite, sealing his first-ever World Championship title in a thrilling Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The British driver finished third on the night, doing just enough to beat defending champion Max Verstappen in the final standings by two points.

The result not only marks Norris’s first world title but also ends Red Bull’s four-year domination. The McLaren star becomes the first British champion since Lewis Hamilton and the 35th driver in history to lift the F1 crown.

Verstappen Wins the Race but Misses Out on the Championship

Starting from pole, Max Verstappen did everything he could — controlling the race from the front and collecting his eighth victory of the 2025 season. But even that wasn’t enough. To keep his title hopes alive, the Dutchman needed Norris to finish outside the podium.

Norris managed the pressure perfectly, maintaining steady form behind teammate Oscar Piastri and Verstappen. His third-place finish sealed the deal, triggering emotional celebrations up and down the McLaren garage.

“Thank you guys… oh my god, you’ve made history! Thank you so much,” an emotional Norris said over team radio after crossing the line.

Calm Drive Under Pressure

The race featured no safety cars or major incidents — a true test of focus and tire management. Norris lost second place to Piastri on the opening lap but stayed composed, defending hard when Charles Leclerc briefly threatened in the first stint.

His smooth pit strategy and consistent pace ensured he stayed within the top three throughout. It was a performance that showcased his growth as both a racer and a leader within McLaren.

McLaren’s Dominance: Double Titles in 2025

McLaren’s resurgence has been one of Formula 1’s biggest stories this year. The team had already clinched the Constructors’ Championship back in Singapore, securing their first back-to-back titles since 1990–1991.

The 2025 season ends with:

McLaren: 833 points
Mercedes: 469 points
Red Bull: 451 points

With two drivers consistently on the podium, McLaren cemented its reputation as the sport’s top team — a stunning turnaround from its struggles just a few years ago.

A New Era of British Success

Norris’s triumph under the Yas Marina lights represents a symbolic passing of the torch in British motorsport. At 26, he’s now Britain’s 11th world champion and appears poised to carry the country’s racing legacy well into the future.

As the sport heads into 2026 with sweeping technical changes on the horizon, fans can look forward to one of the most exciting eras in years — with Norris and McLaren at the center of it.