F1 Drivers’ Championship Showdown

Bassyonni

ago 50 minutes

As the thrilling 2025 Formula 1 season reaches its climax, the spotlight is on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Three drivers are locked in a fierce competition for the Drivers’ Championship title: Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri. With only a few points separating them, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Current Standings Before the Final Race

Here are the top contenders ahead of the season finale:

Lando Norris (McLaren) – 408 points
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 396 points
Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 392 points

Paths to Victory

The final race at Yas Marina Circuit is crucial not just for its outcome but for the championship implications as well.

Lando Norris’ Championship Scenario

Norris’s path to securing his first title is straightforward. He must finish on the podium to guarantee victory, regardless of the performance of his rivals. Here are his possible outcomes:

If Norris finishes 1st, 2nd, or 3rd: He is the champion.
If he finishes 4th: Verstappen must finish 2nd or lower.
If he finishes lower than 4th: Verstappen must be outside the podium and Piastri must be 3rd or lower.

Max Verstappen’s Championship Scenario

The Dutch driver needs a strong performance to clinch his fifth consecutive title. For him to win, he must secure a podium finish:

If Verstappen finishes 1st: Norris must be 4th or lower.
If Verstappen finishes 2nd: Norris needs to be 8th or lower.
If Verstappen finishes 3rd: Norris must finish 9th or lower.

Oscar Piastri’s Championship Scenario

For Piastri, finishing in the top two is essential. His scenarios include:

If Piastri finishes 1st: Norris must be 6th or lower.
If Piastri finishes 2nd: Norris needs to be 10th or lower while Verstappen must not be on the podium.

Potential Tie and Championship History

Interesting scenarios could arise if Norris and Verstappen tie on points. If that happens, wins would be the tiebreaker. Notably, all three drivers have secured seven victories this season, making second-place finishes crucial in any tie situation. Currently, Norris leads in second-place finishes with eight.

Championship Conclusion and Future Events

This year marks the 32nd time that the F1 Drivers’ Championship will be decided in the final race, with only nine previous leaders failing to win the title. Following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the championship trophy will be awarded at the FIA Prize Gala on December 12 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

As race day approaches, fans around the world eagerly anticipate this dramatic showdown in Abu Dhabi, which will determine the 2025 F1 Drivers’ Champion.