The Formula 1 season concludes this week at the Yas Marina Circuit, where the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will determine the 2025 world champion. Lando Norris enters the final race weekend with a chance to secure his first-ever championship, holding a narrow lead in points.
Norris’s path to the title offers several scenarios — a win would guarantee him the crown, but he could also clinch it with a podium finish depending on Max Verstappen’s results. Despite his advantage, the McLaren driver faces a fierce challenge from Verstappen, who remains confident that the race will go in his favor.
Verstappen, a three-time world champion, dismissed the idea of giving up easily, saying:
“We’ve been through tight battles before. This isn't unfamiliar territory.”
He emphasized that Red Bull’s recent upgrades have strengthened their position, setting up a final duel that could mirror some of Formula 1’s most iconic title deciders.
For Norris, this weekend represents the culmination of years of progress. His consistency, combined with McLaren’s strong late-season form, makes the British driver a serious contender. Victory at Yas Marina would mark both his first Formula 1 championship and McLaren’s first driver’s title since 2008.
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sets the stage for a thrilling duel between Norris and Verstappen, as the championship comes down to its final race with history within reach.