The title race goes down to the wire as Norris, Verstappen and Piastri reach Abu Dhabi separated by the smallest of margins.
What do Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri need to become Formula 1 champions in 2025?
Max Verstappen clinched the win at the Qatar Grand Prix, tightening the fight for the Formula One title and pushing the championship battle to the final race of the season at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi next weekend.
THREE DRIVERS, ONE WORLD TITLE...
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 30, 2025
DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!!! #F1 pic.twitter.com/sDVRckTGmV
Before the season finale, McLaren’s Lando Norris remains on top with 408 points. He arrived in Qatar with a clear shot at strengthening his hold on the title if he could take the win, but he finished fourth. The gap has now narrowed – Norris leads Verstappen by 12 points and Oscar Piastri by 16.
Norris still has a path to becoming the first British driver to win the championship since Lewis Hamilton did so in 2020. Verstappen, Norris and Piastri each have seven victories this season. A win for the Dutchman would seal his fifth straight Formula One crown, while Piastri and Norris are fighting for their first.
Drivers standings before Abu Dhabi
| Driver | Racing Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Lando Norris | McLaren | 408 |
| Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | 396 |
| Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 392 |
Three Drivers. One Championship. 💪
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 1, 2025
They are your contenders... ⬇️#F1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/PQNKXE6foP
What does Lando Norris need to become F1 champion?
The McLaren driver enters Abu Dhabi on 408 points. He becomes champion by finishing on the podium. If he finishes fourth or fifth, Verstappen must not win.
What does Max Verstappen need to become F1 champion?
On 396 points heading into the finale, he must win and have Norris finish outside the podium. If Verstappen finishes second, Norris must be eighth or worse.
What does Oscar Piastri need to become F1 champion?
With 392 points, he must win the final race and Norris can finish no higher than seventh. If he finishes second, Norris cannot score and Verstappen must be fourth or worse.
One. To. Go.
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 1, 2025
25 points are up for grabs in Abu Dhabi 👀#F1 pic.twitter.com/OUPKSOolNS
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