The 2025 Formula 1 season will be remembered as one of the most dramatic and competitive in recent memory, and at its heart was a breakthrough moment that has reshaped the sport. After years of narrowly missing out and battling at the sharp end, Lando Norris has finally claimed his first F1 World Championship, becoming the 2025 Drivers’ Champion in a nail-biting finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.  

In doing so, Norris ended Max Verstappen’s four-year title reign and delivered McLaren its first drivers’ crown since Lewis Hamilton’s debut title in 2008. Reuters 

Here’s a look back at the triumph, how Norris made history, and what it means for Formula 1 in 2026 and beyond. 

Historic Title Decider in Abu Dhabi 

The landmark moment came at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, where Norris secured the title with a strategic and composed third-place finish. While Max Verstappen took the race win, and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri finished second on the day, season consistency and a razor-thin margin in the standings made all the difference. Reuters 

Norris ended the campaign with 423 points, just two points clear of Verstappen, who amassed 421 across the season. This historic duel brought the championship race down to the final lap of the final race, a rarity in modern F1 and a testament to how tight the competition was across 2025. 

The result made Norris the 35th world champion in F1 history, and only the 11th British driver ever to claim the sport’s top prize, a lineage that includes the likes of Jim Clark, Nigel Mansell and Lewis Hamilton. 

F1 standings for 2025

Position	Driver	Team	Wins	Podiums	Points
1	Lando Norris	McLaren	7	18	423
2	Max Verstappen	Red Bull	8	15	421
3	Oscar Piastri	McLaren	7	16	410
4	George Russell	Mercedes	2	9	319
5	Carlos Leclerc	Ferrari	0	7	242
6	Lewis Hamilton	Ferrari	0	0	156
7	Kimi Antonelli	Mercedes	0	3	150
8	Alexander Albon	Williams	0	0	73
9	Carlos Sains Jnr	Williams	0	2	64
10	Fernando Alonso	Aston Martin	0	0	56

A Season of Momentum and Resilience 

Norris’s championship journey wasn’t straightforward. The Briton admitted to early-season struggles with confidence and consistency, particularly in the first few rounds, but he found a rhythm mid-season that carried him into title contention. 

Across the year, he matched his own teammate Oscar Piastri with seven race victories, showing remarkable race craft and resilience against relentless pressure from Red Bull’s Verstappen. 

McLaren’s championship success was not limited to Norris, the team also clinched the Constructors’ Championship for the second-year running, highlighting a complete and competitive package from chassis to strategy. 

What This Means for Formula 1 

Norris’s championship marks a major shift in the competitive balance of Formula 1. Following years of dominance by Verstappen and Red Bull, McLaren’s rise, led by a driver who combines speed, intelligence and emotional composure, injects new intrigue into the sport. 

With regulation changes planned for 2026, many eyes will be on Norris and McLaren to see whether they can build on this momentum. Rivals like Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes are expected to push harder than ever, but the door is now wide open for a new era of unpredictability and excitement. 

For British fans, Norris’s title also reinvigorates discussions about the nation’s place in Formula 1’s legacy, continuing Britain’s rich history of producing world champions.

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond 

Norris’s victory doesn’t just close the 2025 chapter, it sets the stage for a compelling 2026 season. With tight regulation shifts, new talent rising through the ranks and seasoned stars seeking redemption, F1 looks set for one of its most competitive campaigns yet. 

Stay tuned as we continue to bring you exclusive insights, hospitality packages and behind-the-scenes coverage from the world’s premier motorsport. 

Formula 1 2026 Calendar

Round 1 – Australia – March 6-8 

Round 2 – China – March 13-15 

Round 3 – Japan – March 27-29 

Round 4 – Bahrain – April 10-12 

Round 5 – Saudi Arabia – April 17-19 

Round 6 – USA – May 1-3 

Round 7 – Canada – May 22-24 

Round 8 – Monaco – June 5-7 

Round 9 – Spain – June 12-14 

Round 10 – Austria – June 26-28 

Round 11 – United Kingdom – July 3-5 

Round 12 – Belgium – July 17-19 

Round 13 – Hungary – July 24-26 

Round 14 – Netherlands – August 21-23 

Round 15 – Italy – September 4-6 

Round 16 – Spain – September 11-13 

Round 17 – Azerbaijan – September 25-27 

Round 18 – Singapore – October 9-11 

Round 19 – USA – October 23-25 

Round 20 – Mexico – October 30 – November 1 

Round 21 – Brazil – November 6-8 

Round 22 – USA – November 19 – 21 

Round 23 – Qatar – November 27-29 

Round 24 – Abu Dhabi – December 4-6