Home » News » Piastri Starts Third, Joins Norris and Verstappen in Title Fight

Piastri Starts Third, Joins Norris and Verstappen in Title Fight

by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor
World Championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.">

BREAKING: Lando Norris Secures First F1 World Title at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Published: 2025-12-07T08:15:00+11:00

McLarenS Lando Norris became the first British driver to win the Formula 1 World Championship since Lewis Hamilton in 2020, sealing the title early Monday morning (AEDT) at the season‑closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Red Bull’s four‑time defending champion Max Verstappen won the race,while Norris finished third behind teammate Oscar Piastri,who claimed second place.

The result left Norris two points ahead of Verstappen in the final drivers’ standings and 13 points clear of Piastri, who rounded out the podium in the championship.

Race Summary and Championship Math

Driver Race Finish Season Points final Standings Position
Lando Norris 3rd 442 1st (Champion)
Max Verstappen 1st 440 2nd
Oscar Piastri 2nd 429 3rd

Key Moments That Defined the Title Fight

Entering Abu Dhabi,Norris led the championship by 12 points over Verstappen and 16 points over Piastri. Verstappen secured pole position, with Norris on the front row and Piastri third on the grid.

Verstappen needed Norris to finish fourth or lower, while Norris required a finish outside the top five if Piastri won. Both scenarios proved unfeasible as Norris maintained composure under intense pressure, finishing third and preserving his lead.

Team Reactions

McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown celebrated live on the team radio, calling the moment “the world champion hotline.”

“Lando, this is Zak from McLaren.Is this the world champion hotline? you did it! You did it! Awesome,” Brown exclaimed.

Norris, overcome with emotion, thanked the team before breaking down in tears. He later embraced his parents on the pit wall and shared the victory with engineers and mechanics.

Did You Know? Norris’s championship marks the first time a British driver has won the title without driving for Mercedes.
Pro Tip: Aspiring racers should note Norris’s disciplined approach to race strategy-balancing aggression with tyre management-an essential skill for championship contention.

Evergreen Insights: What Norris’s Victory Means for F1

the 26‑year‑old’s triumph signals a potential shift in the sport’s power dynamics. McLaren’s resurgence, built on a blend of youthful talent and strategic engineering, challenges the long‑standing dominance of Red Bull and Mercedes.

Analysts suggest that Norris’s win could inspire increased investment in British motorsport programs,fostering a new generation of drivers capable of competing at the highest level.

Long‑Term Impact on Teams and Drivers

  • McLaren’s brand value is projected to rise by up to 15 % following a world title.
  • Younger drivers may prioritize teams that offer clear pathways to championship contention, rather than solely focusing on salary.
  • Red Bull will need to reassess its 2025‑2026 growth strategy to counter McLaren’s momentum.

Reader Engagement

What do you think is the biggest factor behind Norris’s breakthrough season? Will McLaren be able to sustain this success in 2026?

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