By Harshit
ABU DHABI, DEC. 7—9:11 AM EDT
The 2025 Formula 1 season is boiling down to its final, nerve-shredding moments in Abu Dhabi, with the drivers’ championship balance hinging on every lap, every pit call, and every inch of clean air. Max Verstappen controls the race at the front, but the title remains firmly in play as Lando Norris fights to protect a crucial podium position under relentless pressure from Ferrari.
Live Race Updates (Lap-by-Lap)
Lap 42/58 — Verstappen Leads as Piastri Pits
Max Verstappen returns to the front of the race as Oscar Piastri finally abandons his starting hard tyres and switches to mediums. The McLaren driver rejoins in second place, slotting in just ahead of teammate Lando Norris. Behind them, Charles Leclerc begins lighting up the timing screens with fastest laps, increasing pressure on Norris.
Lap 41/58 — Norris Responds to Ferrari Undercut
McLaren reacts decisively. Lando Norris dives into the pits, executing a clean and rapid stop to neutralize Ferrari’s undercut attempt. Norris rejoins on hard tyres in third place — the position he needs if Verstappen wins to secure the world championship.
Lap 40/58 — Ferrari Rolls the Dice
Ferrari calls in Charles Leclerc for his second stop, switching him onto medium tyres. The move signals a late push for the podium, forcing McLaren to react immediately. Norris follows Leclerc into the pits moments later.
Lap 39/58 — Title Picture Tightens
Running order stabilizes at the front:
- Oscar Piastri
- Max Verstappen
- Lando Norris
- Charles Leclerc
- George Russell
If these positions hold and Verstappen wins, Norris would be crowned champion — but Ferrari’s closing speed threatens that scenario.
Lap 38/58 — Calm on the Surface, Chaos Beneath
The race settles into a rhythm. Norris holds a modest buffer to Leclerc, but Ferrari’s pace on fresher rubber remains a looming concern. McLaren watches closely from the pit wall as both strategy and tyre life come under scrutiny.
Lap 37/58 — McLaren Breathing Room… For Now
Norris maintains third place with enough margin to manage tyres and pace, though nothing feels comfortable. Verstappen’s race engineers warn of the need for maximum pace to the finish, knowing Piastri will be quick on mediums.
Lap 36/58 — Piastri Stays Out, Verstappen Waits
Oscar Piastri continues on worn hard tyres, attempting to control Verstappen’s pace while buying Norris time behind. Red Bull signals Verstappen to prepare for his fastest stint to the finish.
Lap 35/58 and Earlier — Pressure Builds
Leclerc steadily closes on Norris, living inside DRS range at times. Team radio chatter reflects McLaren’s awareness of the championship math: Norris must not lose third place if Verstappen wins. Piastri, meanwhile, is asked repeatedly to push harder, as turbulent air could disrupt Verstappen just enough to swing the title fight.
Championship Context
If Verstappen wins and Norris drops to fourth, Verstappen would secure another title. If Norris holds third, the championship heads to McLaren’s garage instead. With Oscar Piastri running ahead, internal McLaren strategy remains delicately balanced.