Historic Three-Way F1 Championship Battle Set for Abu Dhabi

The 2025 Formula One World Championship is set for a historic conclusion at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 7, with Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri all vying for the title in a rare three-way battle.

For the first time since 2010, three drivers enter the final race with a chance to claim the championship. Norris leads with 408 points, followed by Verstappen at 396 and Piastri at 392. The Yas Marina Circuit, known for its challenging layout and recent modifications to enhance overtaking, sets the stage for this historic showdown.

Championship Scenarios

• Lando Norris: Secures the title with a podium finish, regardless of his rivals' positions.

• Max Verstappen: Needs to win the race and have Norris finish off the podium to clinch his fifth consecutive championship.

• Oscar Piastri: Must win the race and have Norris finish sixth or lower to become Australia's first F1 champion in 45 years.

The Yas Marina Circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke, is a 5.281 km (3.281 mi) motorsport track located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Since its inauguration in 2009, it has hosted the season-ending Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The circuit is known for its challenging layout, featuring 16 corners and several straights, including a 1.14 km longest straight. In 2021, modifications were made to improve overtaking opportunities, such as replacing previous turns 4, 5, and 6 with a single hairpin and reconfiguring turns 11 through 14 into a sweeping banked curve.

In the final practice session, Mercedes' George Russell topped the timesheets, narrowly ahead of Norris, while Verstappen secured pole position in qualifying with a time of 1:22.207. Norris will start second on the grid, with Piastri in third. The race is scheduled to start at 5:00 PM local time (UTC+4).

Despite only needing a podium finish to secure the championship, Norris aims to clinch the title with a victory. He stated, "Winning is how I want to end the season."

Starting from pole position, Verstappen is determined to go "all out" for the win. He acknowledged the possibility of strategic tactics but emphasized the importance of a fair race.

Although starting third and trailing in points, Piastri remains hopeful of becoming Australia's first F1 champion in 45 years. He noted that until Norris or Verstappen finishes ahead of him, he still has a chance.

The last time three drivers entered the final race with a chance to win the championship was in 2010. Additionally, both Kimi Räikkönen (2007) and Sebastian Vettel (2010) won championship titles after starting their final races from third in the standings, a position currently held by Piastri.

The weather forecast for Abu Dhabi on December 7, 2025, indicates clear conditions with temperatures ranging from 68°F (20°C) in the morning to 84°F (29°C) in the afternoon. The race is scheduled to start at 5:00 PM local time, with temperatures expected to be around 80°F (26°C).

This three-way showdown promises a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 season, with each contender poised to make history.