Image Credentials: Image Title: The Final Showdown: How Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri Can Claim the F1 Crown Source: (Gemini) Date: December 2025. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (Gemini) and does not depict a real-world scene.
By José Carlos Palma
The 2025 Formula 1 season is hurtling toward a historic conclusion at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the first three-way title battle since 2010. With Lando Norris (McLaren), Max Verstappen (Red Bull), and Oscar Piastri (McLaren) separated by just 16 points, the permutations are complex, demanding a flawless execution from all three contenders.
Norris currently holds a 12-point advantage over Verstappen (408 to 396) and a 16-point lead over his teammate Piastri (392). Crucially, all three drivers are tied with seven race wins apiece, meaning a potential points tie would be decided on the countback of second-place finishes—a metric where Norris holds the advantage with eight.
Here is the essential guide to how each contender can secure the ultimate prize in motorsport.
🥇 Lando Norris: The Favourite’s Simple Route
Norris, the championship leader, has the most straightforward path to claiming his maiden title, but the pressure to deliver is immense.
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Easiest Route: He will be crowned World Champion by simply finishing on the podium (P1, P2, or P3), regardless of what Verstappen and Piastri achieve.
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Need for Help (If Norris Finishes P4 or P5): If he suffers a setback and finishes fourth or fifth, Verstappen must not win the race.
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Worst Case (If Norris Finishes P6 or Lower/Retires): If he finishes sixth or below, he needs both rivals to have poor results. For instance, if Norris is eliminated from the race (0 points), Verstappen must finish off the podium (P4 or lower) and Piastri must finish P4 or lower.
🥈 Max Verstappen: The Momentum Man’s Challenge
Verstappen enters the final race with huge momentum, having eradicated a 104-point deficit in the second half of the season to put himself within striking distance of a record-equalling fifth consecutive title.
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Most Likely Route: Verstappen must win the race (25 points) and hope Norris finishes fourth or lower (12 points or less). This scenario would give Verstappen a 13-point swing, guaranteeing the title.
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If Verstappen Finishes Second (18 Points): He needs Norris to finish eighth or lower (4 points or less).
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If Verstappen Finishes Third (15 Points): He needs Norris to finish ninth or lower (2 points or less).
Verstappen must score at least 13 more points than Norris to secure the title outright, as a 12-point gain would tie them on points, where Norris wins on the second-place countback (8 to Verstappen’s 6).
🥉 Oscar Piastri: The Outside Contender
Piastri, the outside challenger, faces the most difficult task. To rescue his title aspirations, he must deliver a spectacular performance and rely on misfortune striking the drivers ahead.
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Piastri Must Finish Top Two: The Australian’s hopes are extinguished if he finishes third or lower due to his 16-point deficit to Norris.
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If Piastri Wins the Race (25 Points): He needs his teammate Norris to finish seventh or lower (6 points or less). If Norris is P6 (8 points), Piastri wins by only one point.
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If Piastri Finishes Second (18 Points): He needs a massive amount of chaos: Norris must finish 10th or lower (1 point or less), and Verstappen must finish P4 or lower (12 points or less).
In an unlikely scenario, if Piastri wins, he automatically beats Verstappen regardless of Max’s position, as Piastri’s win (25 points) covers the 4-point deficit he holds to the Dutchman.
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is set to be a spectacular finale, where a single corner or a missed pit stop could rewrite the history books.