With one race left in the 2025 Formula One season, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown in Abu Dhabi. Three drivers-Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri-still have a shot at the World Championship, though the odds tilt heavily toward Norris and Verstappen. It’s been a season full of twists, and now, it all comes down to Yas Marina.
Norris in Control, But the Pressure Is Real
Lando Norris heads into the final Grand Prix with the title within his grasp. After a breakout season that’s seen him step into the spotlight as McLaren’s lead driver, all he needs is a podium finish in Abu Dhabi to secure his first-ever Formula One World Championship. It’s a simple enough equation on paper: finish top three, and the crown is his.
But nothing about this season has been simple.
Max Verstappen, the four-time defending champion, is lurking just 12 points behind. After a clutch win in Qatar, he’s right back in the hunt.
For much of the year, the championship picture looked like a McLaren-exclusive battle between Norris and Piastri. Verstappen, by his standards, had a relatively quiet start.
But as champions do, he’s found his rhythm when it matters most. Now, with one race left, he’s within striking distance of a fifth consecutive title.
Oscar Piastri, Norris’ teammate, is still mathematically alive, though he’ll need a miracle. Sitting 16 points behind, he needs a perfect storm in Abu Dhabi to leapfrog both Norris and Verstappen. It’s a long shot, but in a season as unpredictable as this one, you can’t rule anything out.
What Happens If There’s a Tie?
Here’s where things get really interesting. Formula One has never seen a Drivers’ Championship end in a tie-but it’s not out of the question this year.
If two drivers finish the season level on points, the tie-breaker comes down to the countback system. That means the driver with the most Grand Prix wins takes the title.
Right now, all three contenders-Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri-have seven wins apiece. So if two of them end up tied in points after Abu Dhabi, whoever finishes ahead in this final race likely takes the crown.
But let’s say none of the three win in Abu Dhabi and there’s still a tie. Then it goes to second-place finishes. That’s where Norris has the edge-he’s logged eight runner-up finishes so far, more than either Verstappen or Piastri.
In short: if it ends in a tie, Norris is in the best position. But the cleanest path for him is still a top-three finish on Sunday.
Flashbacks to 2021
There’s a familiar tension in the air heading to Yas Marina. F1 fans will remember the 2021 finale, when Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton arrived in Abu Dhabi tied on points. That race ended in controversy, with Verstappen taking his first title in dramatic-and still hotly debated-fashion.
Fast forward four years, and Verstappen is now the seasoned veteran, chasing a fifth straight championship. Norris, meanwhile, is the rising star, finally putting together the kind of season many believed he was capable of since his debut. It’s a classic F1 narrative: the reigning king versus the heir apparent.
McLaren’s Costly Call in Qatar
What’s added even more drama to this finale is what happened last time out in Qatar. McLaren, who’ve been nearly flawless this season, made a rare misstep under the lights in Lusail.
During a late Safety Car, nine teams opted to pit for fresh tires. McLaren didn’t.
They kept both Norris and Piastri out on worn rubber, a decision that backfired in a big way.
Piastri, who had been in a strong position, saw his title hopes take a major hit. Norris, too, was compromised.
After making his second stop later on, he rejoined in fifth. He managed to claw back to fourth, thanks in part to Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli yielding two extra points in the closing laps.
But on a night when Norris could’ve sealed the title, he left Qatar with the champagne still on ice.
One Race, One Champion
Now it all comes down to Abu Dhabi. December 7. One race to decide it all.
Norris has the upper hand, but Verstappen has been here before-and he thrives in these pressure-packed moments. Piastri needs help, but stranger things have happened in Formula One.
And with the tie-breaker scenarios looming, we could be in for a finish unlike anything the sport has seen before.
Buckle up. This one’s going to be special.