The starting position seems simple: If Lando Norris finishes on the podium in the last Formula 1 race of the season on Sunday (December 7th, 2025, from 2 p.m. in the live ticker at sportschau.de), then he will be world champion. Otherwise, defending champions Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri can hope for the title – an overview of the possible constellations before the final in Abu Dhabi.
Formula 1 is becoming a thriller: for the first time since 2010, three drivers still have a chance of winning the world championship title before the last race. This is all the more surprising because four weeks ago Lando Norris certainly looked like the future world champion.
It seemed just as clear for a long time that the driver’s title was up for grabs this time McLaren would go – and not on Red Bull and Max Verstappen: At the end of August, after homeGrand Prix In Zandvoort, Verstappen was apparently hopelessly behind Oscar Piastri in the World Cup standings with 104 points.
But before the last race of the season, McLaren’s lead had shrunk, even after a few mistakes in race strategy. World Championship leader Norris missed the great opportunity to be crowned world champion early at the last race in Qatar.
Norris has a 12 point lead
Norris (408 points) still has the title win in his own hands, going into the race with a 12-point lead over defending champion Verstappen (396), with Piastri (392) lying in wait in the second McLaren.
| driver | Points |
|---|---|
1. Lando Norris (McLaren) | 408 |
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) | 396 |
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) | 392 |
Since there are 25 points for the winner of a race and 18 points for the runner-up, Piastri, third in the World Championships, still has a realistic chance of winning the title.
| Racing position | Points |
|---|---|
1st place | 25 |
2nd place | 18 |
3rd place | 15 |
4th place | 12 |
5th place | 10 |
6th place | 8 |
7th place | 6 |
8th place | 4 |
9th place | 2 |
10th place | 1 |
Close race in Formula 1 – Equal points possible
Given the tight constellation, it is also possible that two drivers will end up tied at the top of the drivers’ standings. According to FIA regulations, the world title will then be awarded to the driver who has achieved more victories this season. In fact, Norris, Verstappen and Piastri are on par before the last race, with seven wins each.
If in the end there is a tie on points without one of the three title rivals winning in Abu Dhabi, then the higher number of second places in the previous season will decide. Here Norris (8) would be ahead of Verstappen (5) and Piatri (4).
What simplifies the calculations before the season finale: The bonus points for the fastest race lap were canceled before the season. This means that only the outcome of the last race counts for the awarding of points and thus for the decision on the world title.
Possible Constellations and math games
Norris becomes world champion:
– if he takes one of the top three places in Abu Dhabi.
– if he finishes fourth or fifth and Verstappen doesn’t win.
– if he finishes sixth or seventh and neither Verstappen nor Piastri win.
– if he finishes eighth, Verstappen is a maximum of third and Piastri doesn’t win
– if he finishes ninth, Verstappen a maximum of fourth and Piastri doesn’t win.
– if he finishes in 10th place or worse, and Verstappen is a maximum of fourth and Piastri is a maximum of third.
Verstappen becomes world champion:
– if he wins and Norris finishes a maximum of fourth.
– if he comes second, Norris a maximum of eighth and Piastri doesn’t win.
– if he comes third, Norris a maximum of ninth and Piastri doesn’t win.
Piastri becomes world champion:
– if he wins and if Norris finishes a maximum of sixth.
– if he finishes second, Norris finishes a maximum of tenth and Verstappen finishes a maximum of fourth.