The checkered flag waved on Sunday, signaling the end of a thrilling Formula 1 season that came down to the wire. The title was decided by just two points and less than half a percent between Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri.
A three-way fight had been brewing all season long, with McLaren's Lando Norris seemingly in control until Red Bull's late-season resurgence shook things up. After a strong start to the year, Norris' form dipped at the Dutch Grand Prix but he bounced back with a string of impressive performances, retaking the championship lead from Piastri.
However, Verstappen was closing in fast, thanks to his team's tire strategy and some timely safety car periods that gave him a huge catch-up. The Dutch driver's teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, struggled in Abu Dhabi but ultimately gained a five-second penalty for swerving on track.
In the end, it was Norris who emerged victorious, finishing fourth behind Verstappen, Piastri, and Charles Leclerc's Ferrari. While some McLaren fans might be disappointed that their preferred driver didn't take the title, any one of the three drivers would have been a worthy champion.
As F1 looks to the future with its second ground effect era looming on the horizon, it's hard not to wonder if this current generation of cars will be mourned. The tightly controlled design parameters and lack of setup freedom have seen the teams all converge in performance, making each car feel like a slightly different version of the same thing.
But despite some reservations about the future of F1, there's no denying that this season was one for the books. Norris' achievement is even more impressive given Verstappen's dominant form throughout the year, and it will be interesting to see how the 2026 season plays out with new cars, rules, and team dynamics.
For now, though, Norris can bask in the glory of his first F1 championship win, a testament to his hard work and dedication as a driver.
A three-way fight had been brewing all season long, with McLaren's Lando Norris seemingly in control until Red Bull's late-season resurgence shook things up. After a strong start to the year, Norris' form dipped at the Dutch Grand Prix but he bounced back with a string of impressive performances, retaking the championship lead from Piastri.
However, Verstappen was closing in fast, thanks to his team's tire strategy and some timely safety car periods that gave him a huge catch-up. The Dutch driver's teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, struggled in Abu Dhabi but ultimately gained a five-second penalty for swerving on track.
In the end, it was Norris who emerged victorious, finishing fourth behind Verstappen, Piastri, and Charles Leclerc's Ferrari. While some McLaren fans might be disappointed that their preferred driver didn't take the title, any one of the three drivers would have been a worthy champion.
As F1 looks to the future with its second ground effect era looming on the horizon, it's hard not to wonder if this current generation of cars will be mourned. The tightly controlled design parameters and lack of setup freedom have seen the teams all converge in performance, making each car feel like a slightly different version of the same thing.
But despite some reservations about the future of F1, there's no denying that this season was one for the books. Norris' achievement is even more impressive given Verstappen's dominant form throughout the year, and it will be interesting to see how the 2026 season plays out with new cars, rules, and team dynamics.
For now, though, Norris can bask in the glory of his first F1 championship win, a testament to his hard work and dedication as a driver.
F1's final stretch was insane! Norris outsmarted Verstappen & Piastri at every turn 
so i think what's crazy is that this whole season was basically just one big fight between these three drivers. like, max verstappen was dominating everyone, lando norris came back from nowhere, and oscar piastri was right in the mix too. and at the end of it all, Norris just edges out his teammates by like 2 points 
that's wild.
. It's like they're throwing a wrench into the works just to give Verstappen an advantage.
. I mean, Verstappen was right on his tail all season and then suddenly Norris pulls ahead? It feels like there might have been more to it than just driving skills 
.
️. And Norris deserves credit for his hard work and dedication. Maybe next year will bring some new surprises 
i mean, he had some solid performances this season but that last push was insane! max verstappen must've been having a meltdown or something lol he came from nowhere to give norris the title and then goes off the rails with that safety car penalty 
anyway, it's all good for f1 since they're shaking things up with these new ground effect cars. will be interesting to see how the game changes next season 
! He had an insane season and deservedly took home that championship. I mean, he was down but never out, you know? And that last battle with Max Verstappen was EPIC 
. I'm still trying to process how it all went down, but Norris' consistency and determination paid off in the end. The fact that he could take on Verstappen and Piastri and come out on top is a huge testament to his skills as a driver. And let's be real, this season was just so much fun to watch