The 2025 Formula 1 World Championship will reach its dramatic conclusion this Sunday at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit, with Britain's Lando Norris on the cusp of a maiden title. The McLaren driver holds a 12-point lead over Red Bull's reigning champion Max Verstappen, setting the stage for a nail-biting finale under the Abu Dhabi lights.
Championship Scenarios: What Needs to Happen?
The equation for Norris is beautifully simple. If the Bristol-born driver finishes on the podium, he will be crowned Formula 1 World Champion for the first time, regardless of where his rivals finish. Any result lower than third opens the door for a sensational comeback from Max Verstappen, who could clinch a historic fifth consecutive drivers' title.
The tension was ramped up at the previous round in Qatar, where a misjudged strategy call by McLaren cost Norris valuable points. Verstappen capitalised to take victory, slicing into the lead and moving up to second in the standings. The Dutchman's victory means the destiny of the championship remains undecided until the very last race.
Their teammate, Oscar Piastri, finds himself an outside contender. The Australian, who led the championship for much of the season, is now 16 points behind Norris. His only hope rests on winning the race and relying on both Norris and Verstappen to finish well down the order, a scenario that appears highly improbable.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Grid, Times & How to Watch
The final starting grid for the race is yet to be confirmed, with qualifying taking place at 2pm GMT on Saturday 6 December. The race itself will begin at 1pm GMT on Sunday 7 December.
For UK viewers, full live coverage will be provided by Sky Sports F1, with their race day build-up commencing at 11:30am GMT. Subscribers can stream the action via the Sky Go app. Non-subscribers can access the coverage by purchasing a NOWTV Day Pass.
The Standings Heading into the Finale
The driver standings present a thrilling three-way fight at the top between the McLaren and Red Bull stars:
- 1. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 408 points
- 2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 396 points
- 3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 392 points
Further down, George Russell (Mercedes) is a distant fourth on 309 points, with Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) fifth on 230. Lewis Hamilton, in his first season with Ferrari, sits sixth with 152 points, level with Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli.
In the constructors' championship, McLaren has already been crowned champion with a mammoth 800 points, well clear of Mercedes in second. The battle for third is still alive, with Red Bull (426) holding a slender advantage over Ferrari (382).
All eyes will now be on the desert circuit as Norris aims to hold his nerve and secure the biggest prize in motorsport, while Verstappen plots one final, audacious strike to keep his crown.
