After each Grand Prix, we present the RaceReport, a unique and engaging digital recap of the race weekend. Reporters André Venema and Frank Woestenburg bring you the latest from Abu Dhabi!
MAX VERSTAPPEN: THE MORAL CHAMPION
From Thursday, the season finale in Abu Dhabi is entirely focused on the title fight between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (and to a lesser extent, Oscar Piastri). The tension is carefully built up to a thrilling climax until the start of the race on Sunday afternoon at 17:00 local time.
As a journalist, the days leading up to the race are primarily about speaking to as many insiders as possible for news, background information, and of course, the latest reflections. There seems to be a consensus. Norris will become the world champion thanks to a superior car, but Verstappen is and remains the best driver, according to popular opinion.
In the final hours before the race, VIPs and celebrities (or pseudo-celebrities) take over the paddock. Grown men are as excited as children to get a selfie with a driver, with a selfie with Verstappen being the ultimate prize. He leads the pecking order in this regard as well.
Then comes the race on Sunday. Norris clinches his first world title by finishing third in a race convincingly won by Max Verstappen. In the press room, he receives a modest round of applause. The Brit may be the official world champion of 2025, but Verstappen is the moral champion.
Highlights in Abu Dhabi
Max’s Quote
Max Verstappen on Gianpiero Lambiase: “It’s been an emotional year. Forget this year’s results. I don’t want to go into detail, but it’s been a tough year. However, I’m glad to work with someone so passionate; he’s not just my race engineer, but also my friend. I’m sure he was emotional too after the flag waved. I’m proud to work with someone so competent.”
Top & Flop
While Max Verstappen clinches victory at the Yas Marina Circuit, all eyes are on Lando Norris. The Brit crosses the finish line in third place, which is enough to crown him the 2025 World Champion.
Highlight: Lando Norris
Lando Norris is the first McLaren driver to win the title since Lewis Hamilton in 2008. The Briton only needs a podium finish in Abu Dhabi and can’t hold back his tears after the race: “I haven’t cried like this in a while,” says the newly crowned world champion. “Now I know how Max feels. I also want to congratulate him, and Oscar. It was a real pleasure to race against my two biggest title rivals. It was an honor, and I learned a lot from them.” The only time Norris’ title is in jeopardy during the final race is when he is investigated for his overtaking maneuver on Yuki Tsunoda. “I wasn’t worried about it. I’m enjoying the moment now. Not many people experience what I’m going through right now. I’m just incredibly happy.”
Lowlight: Lewis Hamilton
Even in the last race of the season, Lewis Hamilton can’t make his mark. While many predicted him to win the title at the start of the season, he once again fails to shine. He crashes in the third free practice and doesn’t make it past Q1 in qualifying for the third time in a row. The cup of bitterness is not yet empty in Abu Dhabi, leading to visible frustration for the 40-year-old Briton. “I have no words to express how I feel. I just feel a lot of anger and rage. It’s the same story every weekend.” In the race, he climbs from P16 to eighth place, for what it’s worth. He is looking forward to 2026, when a different type of car will be driven. “There’s nothing about this current generation of cars that I’m going to miss. It’s that simple. I didn’t enjoy it at all.”
Behind the Scenes
A glimpse behind the scenes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix!
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Results of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The podium after the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Verstappen Wins Final Race, but Norris Becomes World Champion Thanks to Third Place
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Three Questions for… Fernando Alonso
‘We now know where we need to improve’
Fernando Alonso is relieved that his impotent challenger from last season, the AMR25, is heading to the museum. With the arrival of designer and now team boss Adrian Newey, all focus is on 2026. “A new regulation offers opportunities, especially if you’re willing to take risks.”
Fernando, 2025 is over. How do you look back on this year?
“It was a tough year. I tried to get the most out of myself and the car every weekend. We saw moments of good speed, but overall we were not at the level we had in mind. Reliability issues, fluctuating performances – it was sometimes frustrating. At the same time, this season was valuable: we have clearly identified where we need to improve and how we can better utilize our resources. Difficult years often lay the foundation for future success.”
Designer Adrian Newey’s Recent Appointment as Team Boss: What Impact Does This Have on the Team?
“It provides a tremendous boost for everyone. Adrian is building the 2026 project from the ground up, which instills confidence. He brings new ideas and a way of thinking that challenges us to be more ambitious. Even before his new role, he had a significant influence on the 2026 car and how we operate as a team. His presence changes a lot, in a positive way.”
2026 Ushers in a New Technical Era: What Are Your Expectations?
“We have the resources and the ambition to make a leap forward. A new regulation offers opportunities, especially if you’re willing to take risks. This is one of the biggest rule changes I’ve experienced in my career. That makes it exciting. My motivation remains unchanged for next year. Perhaps even greater, because the new rules offer new possibilities. I’ll take some rest in the winter, but after that, I’m ready to give it my all again. I still believe that I can fight for significant results.”
2026 F1 Calendar
Commercial rights holder Liberty Media and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) have announced the Formula 1 calendar for 2026. Once again, there are 24 Grands Prix scheduled. The most notable change is that the Dutch GP has been moved forward by a week (to August 23) and will no longer be followed by the Italian GP in Monza a week later.
