Who will boss the F1 endgame? - The Hindu
As the 2025 Formula 1 season heads into its climactic finale in Abu Dhabi, the title fight is wide open — with Lando Norris (McLaren), Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) and Oscar Piastri (McLaren) all still in the hunt. Norris arrives with a 12-point lead over Verstappen and 16 over Piastri, meaning a podium finish at the season finale could secure his first championship. Verstappen, however, has gained serious momentum after a late-season surge — his decisive Qatar Grand Prix win and errors by McLaren have brought him firmly back into contention. Piastri remains an outsider, but a perfect result plus misfortunes for others could still see him lift the trophy. The stage is set for a tense, unpredictable final race where strategy, nerves and a dash of luck will decide who “bosses” the F1 endgame.
The Key points
- Lando Norris leads the standings by 12 points over Max Verstappen and 16 over Oscar Piastri.
- A podium finish at Abu Dhabi would secure Norris the drivers’ title regardless of rivals’ results.
- Max Verstappen revived his championship hopes with a strong win in Qatar, closing the gap significantly.
- Verstappen benefits from improved pace and recent upgrades to his Red Bull car.
- Oscar Piastri, despite being 16 points behind, still holds a mathematical chance if he wins and others falter.
- McLaren’s recent strategy misstep — failing to pit during a safety-car window — handed Verstappen a crucial advantage.
- All three contenders have shown race-winning speed at various points this season, making the finale unpredictable.
- Verstappen enters the finale more relaxed, seeing anything positive as a bonus given his comeback momentum.
- The title fight reflects a rare three-way finale — the first time since 2010 that more than two drivers remain in contention.
- The outcome will likely come down to racecraft, strategy, and how each contender handles pressure in the decisive weekend.
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