Lando Norris narrowly beats Max Verstappen by two points to clinch first F1 world championship

After seven seasons and four career wins leading into 2025 , Lando Norris sealed his first Formula 1 world championship on Sunday, winning the 2025 title with a third-place finish – and earning enough points to hold off his opposition – at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Though Max Verstappen dominated the race from pole, the Red Bull driver fell two points short of extending his streak of four consecutive titles. Norris, 26, arrived at Yas Marina with a 12-point advantage over Verstappen and a 16-point buffer over his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. All three remained in mathematical contention,