For the first time in 15 years, Formula One will crown its World Champion from a trio of contenders. Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri will settle the title at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
This thrilling scenario follows a dramatic Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen started from third position and won the race. He finished ahead of his title rivals, Oscar Piastri in second and Lando Norris in fourth.
This victory, combined with Norris’s fourth-place finish, slashed Verstappen’s points deficit. The Red Bull driver now trails Norris by only 12 points heading into the final round. Verstappen’s path to a fourth title is narrow but possible. He must win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and rely on a poor result for Norris.
Specifically, if Verstappen wins the race, Norris must finish fourth or lower for the Dutchman to claim the championship. This scenario creates immense pressure on the McLaren team.
THREE DRIVERS, ONE WORLD TITLE…
DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!!! #F1 pic.twitter.com/sDVRckTGmV
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 30, 2025Piastri’s Outside Chance and Team Dynamics
Oscar Piastri remains a mathematical contender. If Norris finishes sixth or lower, Piastri could win the title by taking victory in Abu Dhabi. This creates a fascinating strategic dilemma for McLaren. If Norris struggles to secure a podium but Verstappen is winning, the team could use team orders.
McLaren might instruct Piastri to cede a position to his teammate. This move would gift Norris crucial points to secure the championship. Norris holds the simplest objective. A podium finish in Abu Dhabi guarantees him the title, regardless of his rivals’ results.
The two Mercedes drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, may play a crucial role. They will likely fight Verstappen more aggressively than the McLarens.
Read: Max Verstappen’s Bid for Fifth F1 Title Suffers Setback
Mercedes is locked in a direct battle with Red Bull for second place in the Constructors’ Championship. This fight gives them extra motivation to challenge the Red Bull car.
Only Ferrari can potentially disrupt Norris’s charge. However, the team’s car has lacked recent pace. Charles Leclerc finished a distant 12th in Qatar, with Lewis Hamilton in 14th. The stage is set for a classic finale. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises a thrilling spectacle for every Formula One fan.
