Verstappen explains how Piastri's strategy complicated his Abu Dhabi title defense

Max Verstappen's dominant victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was not enough to secure a fifth consecutive drivers' title, with the Dutchman pointing to Oscar Piastri's divergent race strategy as a key complication in his final, futile defense. While Verstappen won from pole, Lando Norris's third-place finish clinched the championship, ending the Red Bull driver's historic reign.

Why it matters:

The finale highlighted how a rival team's strategic choice can indirectly decide a championship battle, even between drivers from different constructors. Verstappen's inability to manage the race pace behind him—a potential tactic to aid his title bid—was neutralized by Piastri's presence, showcasing the multi-layered strategic chess that defines modern Formula 1 beyond pure car performance.

The details:

• Pre-race speculation centered on whether Verstappen might try to back up the pack, hoping to compromise Norris's race and points finish.
• This plan was immediately complicated when Oscar Piastri, starting on the hard tire versus the popular medium, passed his McLaren teammate Norris on the opening lap.
• With Piastri on a more durable compound and running in second, Verstappen could not afford to slow down and risk the Australian undercutting him for the race lead.
• This forced Verstappen to push at the front, effectively releasing Norris from any direct tactical pressure and allowing him to secure the necessary podium position.

The big picture:

Verstappen's 2025 title defense ultimately unraveled over the second half of the season, but the Abu Dhabi GP served as a microcosm of the challenges he faced. The race win was a testament to his and Red Bull's execution on a weekend level, but the championship had already slipped away due to McLaren's consistent performance and Norris's stellar campaign. The result marks a significant shift in the sport's power structure, ending a four-year period of Verstappen and Red Bull supremacy.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to 2026, where Verstappen will aim to reclaim the throne from the newly-crowned champion, Lando Norris. The off-season will be dominated by analysis of how McLaren sustained its challenge and what Red Bull must improve to counter it. For Verstappen, the task is clear: use this defeat as motivation to begin a new chapter of success.