The 2025 Formula One World Championship is set for a dramatic finish as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix becomes the decisive battleground for the title. With just one race remaining, three drivers remain in contention for the championship, making this the first three way final race showdown since the legendary 2010 season.
Lando Norris enters the final round as championship leader, but Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri are both within striking distance. After Verstappen’s crucial victory at the Qatar Grand Prix and a costly strategy error from McLaren, the title fight has tightened significantly. Norris now holds just a 12 point advantage over Verstappen, while teammate Piastri sits 16 points behind Norris.
With such narrow margins and all three drivers evenly matched on race wins, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises a high tension conclusion where every position could decide the championship.
Current Championship Standings Before Abu Dhabi
Going into the final race weekend, the standings reflect how closely fought the season has been.
- Lando Norris leads with 408 points
- Max Verstappen follows with 396 points
- Oscar Piastri is third with 392 points
All three drivers have claimed seven victories during the season, underlining the consistency and competitiveness of the battle. With no clear dominant force, the final race becomes a matter of execution strategy and composure under pressure.
Short Summary Table
Key Detail |
Information |
|---|---|
Season |
Formula One 2025 |
Title Decider |
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix |
Championship Leader |
Lando Norris |
Close Challengers |
Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri |
Points Gap |
Norris leads Verstappen by 12 points and Piastri by 16 points |
Drivers With 7 Wins |
Norris Verstappen Piastri |
Tie Break Rule |
Most second place finishes |
Streaming In India |
FanCode and F1 TV |
Deciding Race Date |
December 7 |
Official Site |
How Lando Norris Can Win The 2025 F1 Championship
Current points total
408 points
Lando Norris holds the strongest position heading into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Simply put, the championship remains in his hands. If Norris finishes on the podium, he will be crowned world champion regardless of where Verstappen or Piastri finish.
However, the situation becomes more complex if Norris finishes outside the top three. A fourth place finish or lower would open the door for Verstappen, especially if the Red Bull driver wins the race.
Norris addressed the topic of team orders at McLaren during the pre race press conference, making it clear that he prefers a fair fight on track. He stated that he would not ask for preferential treatment and accepted that if Verstappen wins the title, it would be deserved.
Norris championship winning scenarios
Norris Finish |
Verstappen Finish |
Piastri Finish |
|---|---|---|
Podium |
Any |
Any |
Fourth or fifth |
Second or lower |
Any |
Sixth or seventh |
Second or lower |
Second or lower |
Eighth |
Third or lower |
Second or lower |
Ninth |
Fourth or lower |
Second or lower |
Tenth or lower |
Fourth or lower |
Third or lower |
These permutations show that while Norris has flexibility, finishing on the podium removes all uncertainty.
How Max Verstappen Can Win The 2025 F1 Championship
Current points total
396 points
Given Red Bull’s struggles in the early stages of the season, Verstappen’s presence in the title fight is a remarkable turnaround. As recently as August, the reigning champion was over 100 points behind the championship leader. Consistent podium finishes across the last nine races have brought him back into contention.
To secure his fifth Formula One world title, Verstappen must finish on the podium in Abu Dhabi. Even then, he also needs Norris to miss the top three.
Verstappen has publicly stated that he feels relaxed heading into the showdown. According to him, the pressure is lower because simply being in the title fight after such a deficit feels like a bonus.
Verstappen championship winning scenarios
Verstappen Finish |
Norris Finish |
Piastri Finish |
|---|---|---|
First |
Fourth or lower |
Any |
Second |
Eighth or lower |
Third or lower |
Third |
Ninth or lower |
Second or lower |
Verstappen’s path is difficult but achievable, especially if Red Bull delivers a strong package and McLaren falters again.
How Oscar Piastri Can Win The 2025 F1 Championship
Current points total
392 points
Oscar Piastri enters the final race as the outside contender, but his chances cannot be dismissed. Earlier in the season, Piastri even held a 34 point lead over Norris before a series of weaker results from Azerbaijan through Las Vegas eroded his advantage.
A second place finish in Qatar moved him down to third in the standings, but he remains mathematically alive. To claim his first Formula One championship, Piastri must finish in the top two at Abu Dhabi. At the same time, Norris must finish sixth or lower.
Piastri has expressed confidence following his Qatar performance, acknowledging that several factors must align for him to win the title, but emphasizing his focus on executing his own race.
Piastri championship winning scenarios
Piastri Finish |
Norris Finish |
Verstappen Finish |
|---|---|---|
First |
Sixth or lower |
Any |
Second |
Tenth or lower |
Fourth or lower |
While Piastri faces the toughest task, chaotic races have defined championship deciders before, and Abu Dhabi could deliver surprises.
What Happens If Drivers Are Tied On Points
In the event that two drivers finish the season tied on points, Formula One regulations apply a tiebreaker based on finishing positions. Since all three title contenders have won seven races each, the next deciding factor would be second place finishes.
- Norris has eight second place finishes
- Verstappen has six second place finishes
- Piastri has four second place finishes
If the championship comes down to this rule, Norris holds a significant advantage. This further strengthens his position going into the final race weekend.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Schedule And Broadcast In India
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend will take place from December 5 to December 7. Indian fans can watch all sessions live on the FanCode app and F1 TV.
Abu Dhabi GP schedule IST
Date |
Day |
Session |
Time |
|---|---|---|---|
December 5 |
Friday |
Practice 1 |
3:00 PM |
December 5 |
Friday |
Practice 2 |
6:30 PM |
December 6 |
Saturday |
Practice 3 |
4:00 PM |
December 6 |
Saturday |
Qualifying |
7:30 PM |
December 7 |
Sunday |
Race |
6:30 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who leads the 2025 Formula One championship before Abu Dhabi
Lando Norris leads the championship with 408 points ahead of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.
Q2. How many drivers can still win the 2025 F1 title
Three drivers still have a mathematical chance of winning the title: Lando Norris Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.
Q3. What does Norris need to do to guarantee the championship
If Lando Norris finishes on the podium at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he will win the 2025 Formula One championship regardless of other results.
Q4. What is the tie breaker rule if drivers finish on equal points
If drivers are tied on points, the championship is decided based on the number of second place finishes. Norris currently leads this count.
Q5. Where can Indian fans watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix live
All sessions of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be streamed live in India on the FanCode app and F1 TV.
Conclusion
The 2025 Formula One season has delivered one of the most exciting championship battles in recent history. With Lando Norris Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri all capable of winning the title, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is set to be a fitting conclusion.
Norris remains the favourite due to his points cushion and tie breaker advantage, but Verstappen’s late season momentum makes him a genuine threat. Piastri may require the most things to fall into place, but his raw pace and calm approach could yet spring a surprise.
Ultimately, the championship will be decided by execution strategy and nerve under pressure. All eyes now turn to Yas Marina for a finale that could be remembered for years to come.
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