How Lando Norris repelled Max Verstappen’s terrific comeback to win 2025 F1 title

This time on Yas Island, there was no incomprehensible twist of Formula 1 fate. No late crash, no safety cars, no race manipulation.

The reality was that it was always going to take something extraordinary for Lando Norris to blow this year’s drivers’ title and, to the delight and relief of the McLaren team on tenterhooks trackside, the closing laps progressed without incident.

Their golden boy had his triumph.

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Kieran Jackson in Abu Dhabi7 December 2025 16:04

Norris and McLaren start the celebrations(AP)(AP)(David Davies/PA Wire)

Mike Jones7 December 2025 16:41

Lando Norris wins 2025 F1 world championship with tense podium at Abu Dhabi GP

The 26-year-old from Somerset, who needed a podium to secure the title, finished third behind Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri to finish just two points clear of the Dutchman, whose valiant fightback came up just short at the Yas Marina Circuit. Piastri finishes the season 13 points behind championship winner Norris.

Kieran Jackson7 December 2025 16:34

F1 World Drivers’ Championship standings

Here’s how the 2025 Formula 1 Drivers Championship finished up:

1. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 423

2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 421

3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 410

4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 319

5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 242

6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 156

7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 150

8. Alexander Albon (Williams) – 73

9. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 64

10. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 56

11. Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber) – 51

12. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 51

13. Oliver Bearman (Haas) – 41

14. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 38

15. Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 38

16. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 33

17. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – 33

18. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 22

19. Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber) – 19

20. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 0

21 Jack Doohan (Alpine) – 0

Mike Jones7 December 2025 16:26

Norris praises team for championship win

More from Lando Norris now who said: “I did it with an incredible team, Will J, Jarvis, all the boys and girls that I have enjoyed so many moments with.

“It’s not just this year, it has been over the last seven or eight years being with McLaren, with the last 16, 17 years of my life, trying to chase this dream and today we all did it so, I’m pretty happy.”

Mike Jones7 December 2025 16:19

More reaction from the 2025 World Champion

Lando Norris said: “It’s incredible. It is pretty surreal, you know? I’ve dreamed of this for a long, long time.

“Everyone does. A lot goes into a season like this, a lot of ups, a lot of downs.

“But, none of that matters as long as you try and come out on top, that’s what we have managed to do.”

(David Davies/PA Wire)

Mike Jones7 December 2025 16:12

Congratulations come in for Norris

George Russell has congratulated Lando Norris by posting on social media: “Congrats mate, you’ve driven insane this year!!! Came a long way since these days, enjoy the moment.”

Former Red Bull driver, Sergio Perez, posted: “Bravo Lando Norris you and all McLaren congratulations!! Well deserved.”

Mike Jones7 December 2025 16:05

Why are the trophies presented later this week?

The FIA’s International Sporting Code allows for competitors to ask the governing body for a right of review of events if a fresh element is discovered that could change the decision of a grand prix.

This came into focus in 2021, when Mercedes considered an official appeal of the Abu Dhabi GP race result after Lewis Hamilton lost out to Max Verstappen after a contentious application of the rules by race director Michael Masi.

However, Mercedes officially withdrew their appeal in the days that followed.

For Norris, there will be no such concerns of post-race changes.

Mike Jones7 December 2025 15:59

When is F1 drivers’ world championship trophy presented?

The F1 world champion has been crowned – but Lando Norris will have to wait to receive his trophy.

Yet Norris will have to wait until Friday to receive his actual trophy.

Kieran Jackson7 December 2025 15:52

‘Piastri is a future world champion’

“He is a future world champion,” Zak Brown said of Oscar Piastri.

“Drove brilliantly, they supported each other, it’s cruel support, and I am excited to go racing with these guys next year.”

(REUTERS)

Mike Jones7 December 2025 15:45