Lando Norris makes history: World Champion after an epic finale where Verstappen wins

Verstappen’s triumph, Norris’ perfect defense, and Piastri delivering the move of the year

In a finale worthy of a movie, Lando Norris became the 35th Formula 1 World Champion, closing an unpredictable, emotional season fought to the limits.
Max Verstappen won the race, yes… but fell two points short of the title he was chasing for a fifth consecutive time.

And amidst the crossfire, Oscar Piastri delivered one of the most spectacular moves of the season: an outside overtake in the banked Yas Marina turn that will be remembered forever.

Norris: The coronation of a driver who never stopped believing

The Briton’s path was far from linear:

Came in with a lead from Mexico.
Won with authority in Brazil.
Experienced a seismic shock in Las Vegas with McLaren’s double disqualification.
Suffered a strategic error in Qatar.
And saw Verstappen string together victories that cut his margin down to just 12 points.

In Abu Dhabi, a podium was enough. But it was a podium earned under constant pressure from Charles Leclerc, with Piastri overtaking him around the outside on lap 1, and Verstappen flying ahead with no margin for error. When Leclerc faded, Norris breathed. He crossed the line in P3 and exploded with emotion as he confirmed what he had always dreamed of.

Verstappen: Flawless victory, title lost by two points

The Dutchman did the only thing he could:

Pole position, executed to perfection.
Dominant pace with eight wins in the year.
A monumental second half of the season, recovering over 100 points from Zandvoort.

But it wasn’t enough.

Piastri: The move of the year and a runner-up finish that slipped away by 13 points

Oscar Piastri needed a miracle.
He didn’t get it, but he delivered a statement of pure talent:

The outside overtake at Turn 9 on Norris.
Led the race when Verstappen pitted.
Executed perfectly the opposite strategy on hard tires.

He finished third in the championship, 13 points behind Norris. But his 2025 campaign was worthy of a serious title contender.

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Abu Dhabi didn’t just crown a champion: it defined an era.
2025 will be remembered as the year three exceptional talents pushed the limits of competition to an almost impossible level.

And if this season taught us anything, the fight is only beginning. Because what’s coming in 2026 won’t be a continuation — it will be a new war. And everyone wants to be the protagonist.