Lando Norris Clinches 2025 F1 World Drivers' Championship in Intense Three-Way Battle
Lando Norris won the 2025 F1 World Drivers' Championship, securing his maiden title after a grueling three-way contest with Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. Overcoming a 34-point deficit after the Zandvoort race, Norris sealed the championship in Abu Dhabi. McLaren, Norris' team, earned the Team of the Year award and also secured the constructors' championship, marking their first drivers' title since 2008 and their first double since 1998. The team chose not to appoint a number one driver, which allowed Verstappen to remain in contention late in the season and resulted in notable incidents including a Las Vegas disqualification and a misjudgment in Qatar.
McLaren clinched the constructors' championship at Singapore with six races remaining, while Red Bull focused on developing their 2026 car to challenge McLaren's dominance throughout the season. The Race of the Year was awarded to Max Verstappen for his remarkable charge at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he finished third after starting 19th from the pit lane despite a weekend marked by poor qualifying and car troubles described as "broken." Verstappen's best overtaking move was a bold, late-brake pass on Oscar Piastri around Tamburello in Imola, taking the lead from pole position under difficult car balance conditions.
The season had its disappointments as well; Lewis Hamilton's debut with Ferrari culminated in a sixth-place finish in the standings without any podiums. Ferrari halted development in April, leading to a difficult campaign, including a slump in Qatar. Meanwhile, Williams emerged as the surprise package, finishing fifth in the constructors' standings. Under team principal James Vowles, the team experienced a revival with strong performances from Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, who joined after being dropped by Ferrari, signaling a strategic shift towards the 2026 season.
