Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Abu Dhabi Showdown: Norris, Verstappen, Piastri Chase Title

12/4/2025

31 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Championship Showdown

The 2025 championship will be decided at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in a three-way battle among Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri.
Norris leads with 408 points, Verstappen has 396, and Oscar Piastri has 392.
Norris only needs a podium to win.
Verstappen must win and Norris finishes fourth or lower.
Piastri needs a win and Norris finishes outside the top five.

Summary

Verstappen's Title Challenge

Max Verstappen (Formula One driver) has title chances tied to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he trails Lando Norris by 12 points.
IndyCar champion Alex Palou says Verstappen would have clinched championship earlier if he drove for McLaren.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella says the team may order support for Norris or Oscar Piastri.
Mercedes' Toto Wolff says the pressure is on McLaren after a strategic misstep in Qatar.

History

Historical Context

The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, held on December 12, concluded with Max Verstappen controversially overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the final lap after a disputed safety car restart. This pivotal moment not only secured Verstappen's first World Drivers' Championship but also sparked an FIA inquiry into race director Michael Masi's decisions, leading to significant reforms in Formula One's race regulations and operations.

1 of 3

Championship Showdown

The 2025 championship will be decided at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in a three-way battle among Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri.
Norris leads with 408 points, Verstappen has 396, and Oscar Piastri has 392.
Norris only needs a podium to win.
Verstappen must win and Norris finishes fourth or lower.
Piastri needs a win and Norris finishes outside the top five.

1 / 3