Norris clinches F1 title in tense Abu Dhabi finale as McLaren sweeps championships

Lando Norris is the 2025 Formula 1 World Champion, securing his first title with a controlled drive in Abu Dhabi to fend off a charging Max Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri. The three-car showdown lacked the last-lap drama of classic deciders but delivered relentless tension, with Norris executing the precise race he needed to clinch the championship by a mere two points, while McLaren completed a historic sweep of both titles.

Why it matters:

Norris's triumph caps a season of intense internal competition at McLaren and a remarkable personal comeback, solidifying his place among F1's elite. The victory also marks a monumental achievement for McLaren, returning the storied team to the summit of both championships for the first time in over a decade, demonstrating a complete operational and performance revival.

The details:

• Norris's race was a masterclass in championship management, responding calmly to early pressure from Charles Leclerc and making a critical, clean pass on Oscar Piastri without unnecessary risk.
• The climax of his race involved navigating a controversial block from Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda, whom Norris passed decisively on the straight—a move the champion deemed the safest option on track.
• Max Verstappen won the race dominantly but, surprisingly, did not employ strategic tactics to back Norris into traffic, a decision that left some observers questioning his aggressive approach to the decider.
• Tsunoda's defending against Norris, which involved weaving on the straight, was penalized and widely criticized by pundits for being dangerous and lacking judgment.
• The clean, professional start from the top three contenders ensured the title was decided on pure performance, not first-corner chaos.

The big picture:

The 2025 season will be remembered for the ferocious intra-team battle at McLaren and Verstappen's stunning mid-season resurgence in a Red Bull that was often not the fastest car. While Verstappen is broadly considered the "driver of the year," Norris's title is seen as fully earned, built on a stellar run of form after a difficult first half and a DNF in Zandvoort that left him with a significant points deficit. His ability to elevate his performance during the critical Austin-Mexico-Brazil triple-header ultimately made the difference.

What's next:

Norris enters the history books as a Formula 1 World Champion, a label that cannot be asterisked. The focus now shifts to whether this begins a period of McLaren dominance or if Verstappen and Red Bull will mount an even stronger challenge in 2026. For Norris, the first title relieves an immense pressure and could unlock even greater performance, setting the stage for potential future championships won with more commanding margins.