Lando Norris has etched his name in the history books as the 35th different champion in the 75-year legacy of Formula 1. He achieved this milestone during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, finishing third and earning the driver’s title by a slender two-point margin over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
The race unfolded on December 7, 2025, at Yas Marina, where excitement filled the air as Norris, already backed by his McLaren team, seized the fresh prestige of driving champions. The constructors' championship had been secured earlier that season in Singapore, setting the stage for a competitive finale.
Leading the charge, Verstappen took pole position and went on to win the race, while Oscar Piastri, another title contender, finished in second. The podium was a clear reflection of the intense rivalries this season as all three drivers opted for varied tyre strategies, showcasing their teams’ tactical prowess.
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“Congratulations to Lando Norris on winning his first drivers’ title. The battle went all the way to the final round of the season – which was one of the most closely-fought of the last few years thanks to the similarly competitive pace of the different teams,” said Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Director of Motorsport.
Norris’s strategy stood out as he made two pit stops throughout the 58-lap race. Starting on the medium compound, he then switched to the hard tyre, ultimately helping him secure the vital podium finish he needed. Piastri, who began the race on hard tyres, managed to overtake Norris on the opening lap, but Norris's selected strategy provided him with the necessary advantage to maintain his standing.
All three compound tyres were represented on the grid, with some drivers opting for the softs, including Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg. Celebrating his 250th Grand Prix, he displayed remarkable skill, moving up from 18th to 9th place using a two-stop strategy.
The absence of safety cars, retirements, or yellow flags meant that the race unfolded smoothly, culminating in a podium that represents the season's dominant drivers. “Even though there was no graining on the hardest compound, there were still inevitably some signs of wear in the final laps,” Isola noted, emphasizing the challenges on the grid.
Norris’s choice of a two-stop strategy might have been influenced by the extra pit stop taken by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, enabling him to use fresh hard tyres that were crucial during the later stages of the race. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton also opted for a fresh medium tyre for his closing stint, allowing him to gain several positions and highlight the closeness of the various strategies.
The event was a fine example of Formula 1's strategic depth, as teams managed tyre performance against the backdrop of fluctuating track conditions. Isola added, “Pirelli’s job does not stop here: we will be back on track on Tuesday together with all the teams for a full test day.”
As the teams prepared for 2026, eight cars would be on track piloted by race drivers, and ten young drivers were set to test this year’s cars with the focus on upcoming advancements in tyre technology.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix not only marked the close of a dramatic season but also lifted Lando Norris to a new level of recognition in motorsport, further energizing the anticipation for what lies ahead in Formula 1 racing. With the strategies at play and the intensity of competition, fans can expect a thrilling new era in the sport as teams shift foco to next year's challenges.