Today, either Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, or Oscar Piastri will be crowned the 2025 Formula 1 World Champion. There are a thousand and one scenarios that could unfold to determine this outcome. But aside from the title fight, this Grand Prix is special for many other reasons.
The goal for championship leader Lando Norris is clear: if he lands on the podium, he will be the world champion, regardless of where his rivals finish. Verstappen’s goal is also crystal clear: he must win at least and hope that Norris finishes fourth or lower. The Dutchman took pole position yesterday, but that’s not enough. He will have to pull out all the stops to keep Norris behind him and at the same time prevent the Brit from grabbing a podium spot. And then there’s Piastri, who could be the dark horse that runs away with the top prize.
But apart from this thrilling climax, this race is also special for several other reasons. For instance, this is the last race in which Honda and Red Bull will collaborate, and the last race in which Renault will act as an engine supplier in Formula 1. From 2026, Honda will become the exclusive engine supplier for Aston Martin, while Renault (Alpine) will switch to Mercedes engines.
End of an Era
This is also the last race with the current ground effect cars, DRS, and the hybrid V6 engines as we know them. From 2026, Formula 1 will introduce active aerodynamics with adjustable front and rear wings instead of DRS, and the electric component of the drive will be drastically increased from 120kW to 350kW. The cars will also become smaller and slightly lighter.
Furthermore, this is (for now) also the last Formula 1 race for Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver will lose his seat at Red Bull and will become a test and reserve driver next year. Additionally, this is the last race with twenty cars on the grid. From 2026, two more will be added with the arrival of Cadillac, expanding the grid to 22 cars for the first time since 2016.
With so many historic farewells and a championship at stake, Abu Dhabi promises to be an unforgettable season finale.
And furthermore…
… the drivers will complete 58 laps
… the circuit is 5281 meters long
… Lando Norris won here last year
… the past 10 GPs in Abu Dhabi have been won from pole
… Verstappen became champion here in 2021
