Analysis of a gripping championship finale in Abu Dhabi, brought to you by Bahrain International Circuit
In the history of Formula 1, just 34 names adorn the most prized possession in all of motorsport; The World Drivers’ Championship. From those 34, there are 10 British drivers, all of whom are amongst the most celebrated names in motorsport and indeed British sporting history.
Decorated figures such as Sir Lewis Hamilton and Sir Jackie Stewart. Legends including Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Mike Hawthorn, John Surtees and James Hunt. More recent greats such as Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Jenson Button. For Lando Norris, it was his chance to join these names.
In his way, however, there was Max Verstappen, looking for an opportunity to further cement his position amongst the all-time greats, and the cool, calm but very focused Oscar Piastri, aiming to be the third Australian to take the world crown.
For Lando Norris, the target was simple. A top three finish would guarantee him the championship. Anything lower than that and he would be relying on others to help him do the job. Verstappen needed a win, with Norris fourth or lower. A Piastri win with Norris sixth or lower would hand the title to the Australian. Almost inevitably, the three title contenders took the top three positions in qualifying, but not without a few errors and perhaps some nervy, twitchy driving along the way. It was Verstappen who put in the fastest lap to take pole, with Norris alongside him and Piastri in third.
It would have been wrong to think that it was just about the top three. Given the championship permutations, any number of drivers further down the grid could have had an influence on the result. Lingering further back on the grid, Russell looked the closest to the leaders in fourth, 0.2 seconds off Piastri in qualifying, followed by Leclerc, Alonso, Bortoleto and Ocon to complete the top eight on the grid.
Fast forward to race day and as the lights went out for the race start, the anticipation was at a level only an F1 finale could deliver and each driver had 58 laps to try and etch their place in history. It was a clean initial start with Verstappen getting off into turn one with Norris and Piastri just behind. Russell struggled and fell back to sixth, whilst Piastri put in a sweeping move on Norris later in lap 1 to take second.
Norris took his first stop on lap 17, which was more of a reaction to those behind him, given that Leclerc and Russell had also stopped around that time. Whilst it would mean losing time to the top two, it was an important defensive move. Verstappen then stopped on lap 24, ahead of Piastri. Piastri was much later coming in on lap 42. Meanwhile, both Norris and Leclerc came in on lap 41 for a second stop. Norris could have probably stayed out but was always going to match what Leclerc did.
When all the stops were done, Verstappen was ahead by 22 seconds, but on much older tyres. Piastri was on the chase in second, 4.5 seconds ahead of Norris. Norris’ threat behind him sitting in fourth, was Leclerc who was four seconds behind him. Norris did a masterful job of managing that gap, knowing that a third place would do the job.
So after 57 nail-biting laps, Norris held that gap – even extending it at times – to take third place. Verstappen was comfortably ahead in first, with Piastri in second. Given Norris’ race, neither were able to influence the fate of the championship. There were fireworks, tears and celebrations as the British driver delivered on a lifelong dream. The celebrations with his family, teammates and friends emphasised just what this achievement means.
BIC is proud to have played its own part in the history of F1’s latest champion. In 2013, Lando Norris arrived in Bahrain as a young teenage karting competitor in the CIK-FIA World Championships. He won his race at BIKC and just five years later returned to Bahrain in F2. He won that race too and debuted in Bahrain for McLaren in F1 the following year.
There were notably some lean years for Norris, especially in his early years at McLaren as the team looked to rebuild into delivering a car that had the capacity to fight at the front. Those years would have made today feel that much more special.
His first podium in Bahrain came this year. Combined with seven wins and some incredible driving performances under immense pressure, it landed him a place in this elite club. The ups and downs of 2025, especially the two races prior to Abu Dhabi were a demonstration of how difficult winning a world championship can be. Norris managed the pressure, but he also wore his heart on his sleeve, retained his humour and composure; all the reasons why he is such a fan favourite. Without doubt this is a hugely popular win for fans in Bahrain and around the world.
As the dramatic events of Abu Dhabi wind down for the season close of 2025, thoughts now turn to the new era of F1 in 2026. New cars and new engine rules are inevitably set to shake up the field. And the first place you can see this new era of F1 in person will be Bahrain.
With the first test in Barcelona set to be behind closed doors, BIC will host the first public test from 11 to 13 February and again the following week from 18 to 20 February. You can check out full details and get your F1 tickets at bahraingp.com.
See you next year!
* Laurence Jones is senior manager, Marketing and Communications, Bahrain International Circuit
l.jones@bic.com.bh
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