As the season draws to its finale, the drivers’ standings leave three racers still mathematically in contention. Lando Norris leads, with a 12-point cushion over Max Verstappen and a 16-point advantage over Oscar Piastri.
With everything to play for at the Yas Marina Circuit, this weekend’s Grand Prix could mark one of the most dramatic conclusions to a season in recent years and all three drivers know what’s at stake.
What Norris needs to do to win the title
Norris holds the strongest position: he essentially “controls his own destiny.” If he finishes on the podium (top 3), he wins the championship regardless of what Verstappen or Piastri do. Even if he finishes slightly lower, there are still paths to the title, but they depend on both rivals scoring poorly.
Verstappen’s plan: Must hit the podium and rely on mistakes
For Verstappen, the route to a 5th consecutive title demands nearly perfect execution: he must finish first and hope Norris finishes fourth or lower. If Verstappen ends up second, the math gets trickier: Norris would need to finish seventh or lower for Max to overtake him.
Piastri’s path: Narrow and risky, but not impossible
For Piastri, the challenge is steeper. To stay in the hunt, he must win the race. Even a second place could work, but only if his rivals finish far down the order. If Piastri wins, Norris has to finish sixth or lower, and Verstappen must not outscore him heavily. Given how competitive both rivals remain and the unpredictability of racing, this makes Piastri the underdog.
The 2025 finale marks the first time since 2010 that three drivers head into the last race with a real shot at the title. On paper, Norris seems most comfortable; yet with race pace, tyre strategy, unpredictable conditions, and the aggressive ambitions of Verstappen and Piastri, anything can happen.
Formula 1: Tennis Star Novak Djokovic Presents Sprint Race Awards As Piastri, Russell & Norris Shine In Qatar; Video
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic added star power to the Qatar Grand Prix as he presented the trophies to the top three finishers of the sprint race, creating a memorable crossover moment between motorsport and tennis. Djokovic, who has been attending several major sporting events during the off-season, took the stage alongside Formula 1’s rising stars to honour their performances.
Oscar Piastri claimed victory in the sprint race, continuing his impressive rise in Formula 1. The young Australian showcased remarkable pace and composure throughout the event, securing a well-deserved win. George Russell delivered a strong drive to finish second, while Lando Norris completed the podium with a solid third-place finish, making it an all-young-talent highlight at the Lusail International Circuit.
Djokovic handed each driver their trophy before all four posed together for photographs, creating a moment that quickly went viral across social media. The drivers, smiling and relaxed after the sprint, seemed thrilled to share the spotlight with one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
The unique crossover between Djokovic and the F1 stars added an extra layer of excitement to the Qatar Grand Prix weekend, blending two worlds of elite sport and giving fans a rare moment where champions from different fields shared the same stage.
