Lando Norris goes into the final race as the favorite for the World Championship title. © ANSA / ALI HAIDER

This is how Norris, Verstappen or Piastri become world champions

For the first time since 2010, three drivers in Formula 1 have a chance at the World Championship title in the final race of the season. Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, or Oscar Piastri – who will ultimately win the race?

04 December 2025

From: dpa

Fifteen years ago, Sebastian Vettel, starting from third place in the standings before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, prevailed against then Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber in the second Red Bull.

Now, with championship leader Lando Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in third place, there are once again two teammates in the title race, along with a Red Bull driver, four-time world champion Max Verstappen, currently second in the standings. Before the 24th Grand Prix of this season, Norris has a 12-point lead over Verstappen and a 16-point advantage over Piastri. These are the title situations for each of the three championship contenders.

Norris becomes world champion:

- if he comes in first, second, or third.
- if he finishes fourth or fifth and Verstappen doesn't win.
- if he finishes sixth or seventh and Verstappen or Piastri don't win.
- if he finishes eighth, Verstappen finishes third at best, and Piastri doesn't win.
- if he finishes ninth, Verstappen at most fourth and Piastri at most second.
- if he doesn't finish higher than tenth place, Verstappen doesn't finish higher than fourth and
Piastri did not finish in third place.

Verstappen becomes world champion:

- if he wins and Norris doesn't finish higher than fourth place
- if he finishes in second place, Norris finishes at most eighth, and Piastri remains behind the Dutchman.
- if he finishes third, Norris finishes ninth at best, and Piastri doesn't win

Piastri becomes world champion:

- if he wins the race and Norris doesn't finish higher than sixth.
- if he finishes in second place, Norris scores at most one point in tenth place, and Verstappen doesn't make the podium.