If Norris and Verstappen finish level on points, who wins? All scenarios explained ahead of F1 2025 title showdown

Three drivers remain in contention for the Formula One World Championship going into the final race of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday:

– Lando Norris (McLaren) – 408 points

– Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 396 points

– Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 392 points

This is the first time since 2010 that more than two drivers are fighting for the title in the last race.

When will each driver become champion?

Lando Norris wins the title if:

– He finishes on the podium (top 3), regardless of what others do

– He finishes 4th or 5th, and Verstappen does not win

– He finishes 6th or 7th, and neither Verstappen nor Piastri wins

– He finishes 8th, and:

Verstappen is not in the top two, and Piastri does not win

– He finishes 9th, and:

Verstappen is not on the podium, and Piastri does not win

– He finishes 10th or lower, and:

Verstappen is not on the podium, and Piastri finishes no higher than third

Max Verstappen wins the title if:

– He wins the race, and Norris does not finish on the podium

– He finishes second, and:

Norris is 8th or lower, and Piastri does not win

– He finishes third, and:

Norris is 9th or lower, and Piastri does not win

Oscar Piastri wins the title if:

– He wins the race, and Norris finishes outside the top five

– He finishes second, and:

Norris is 10th or lower, and Verstappen is not on the podium

What if there is a tie on points?

A points tie is only possible between Norris and Verstappen — They currently have seven wins each.

If tied, the title would be decided on second-place finishes across the season.

In that case, Norris would be champion.

A tie between Verstappen and Piastri is not possible because of Norris’s points advantage.

Published on Dec 07, 2025