Lando Norris finishes third at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Brit ends with two more points than race winner Max Verstappen
Oscar Piastri crosses the line in second, ending up third in title race
Lando Norris is the Formula One world champion for the first time after finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Brit knew a podium finish would see him top the standings no matter what, and he secured the trophy, ending with two more points than race winner Max Verstappen.
The Dutchman, who had surged back into title contention after a stunning late-season comeback, won from pole after a dominant performance as he did all he could to stay in with a chance of a fifth straight title.
Oscar Piastri, the other contender, passed Norris on the first lap and kept Verstappen in his sights but ultimately crossed the line in second.
Norris, who pitted earlier than most cars, had one nervy moment as he was forced off the track by the other Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda, who received a five-second penalty for the move.
Charles Leclerc, who set the fastest lap, proved the biggest threat to Norris' title challenge with a spirited race, but he ended up crossing the line five seconds behind the 26-year-old.
Lewis Hamilton's frustrating first season with Ferrari ended on a more positive note, though, as he crossed the line in eighth, behind George Russell, Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon, after starting in 16th.
Nico Hulkenberg and Lance Stroll rounded off the top 10 in the final race in 2025.
Data Debrief: Crowning glory for Norris
Norris becomes Britain's 11th F1 world champion, and he is the first McLaren driver to win the title since Hamilton back in 2008.
He did so in his 152nd race for McLaren, which saw him move to outright fourth for the most race appearances with a single team. It was his 18th podium finish of the year.
Spare a thought for Verstappen, who claimed his eighth victory of the season, with only Hamilton winning more in a year without winning the title (twice).
He has also taken pole position and victory in five of the last six editions of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but this one just was not enough to get his hands on the trophy again.
TOP 10
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
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. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)
10. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
Drivers'
1. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 423
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 421
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 410
Constructors'
1. McLaren – 833
2. Mercedes – 469
3. Red Bull – 451
