The 2025 Formula 1 World Championship will be remembered as the year Lando Norris fulfilled his immense potential, claiming his first Drivers’ Championship title and ending Max Verstappen’s four-year reign. McLaren completed a dream double by securing their 10th Constructors’ Championship, cementing the team’s remarkable resurgence.
Norris Claims His First World Title
In his seventh season in Formula 1, Lando Norris overcame early-season struggles, costly mistakes, and a notable mechanical retirement at the Dutch Grand Prix to claim the sport’s ultimate prize.
The championship fight went down to the wire, with Norris winning by just two points ahead of defending champion Max Verstappen, who showed characteristically strong late-season form. Norris finished 13 points ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri, who had remarkably led the championship for 15 rounds before ultimately falling short.
Historic Achievement
- 11th different British driver to win the World Drivers’ Championship
- 35th driver overall to claim the title
- 8th championship-winning McLaren driver, following Lewis Hamilton in 2008
McLaren’s Constructors’ Triumph
McLaren secured their 10th World Constructors’ Championship title at the Singapore Grand Prix, a result that moved them to second place on the all-time list for most constructors’ titles.
Key milestones for the Woking-based team:
- First consecutive constructors’ titles since 1991
- First double championship-winning season since 1998
- Validation of their remarkable rebuilding project
The McLaren-Mercedes partnership produced the most competitive package on the grid, with both Norris and Piastri consistently challenging for race wins throughout the season.
Verstappen’s Title Defence Falls Short
Max Verstappen’s bid for a fifth consecutive title came agonisingly close to success. Despite the Red Bull RB21 not being the dominant force of previous seasons, the Dutchman’s extraordinary racecraft kept him in contention until the final races.
A two-point deficit at the end of a 24-race season underlines just how evenly matched the top drivers were in 2025. Verstappen’s late-season surge made for compelling viewing, even if it ultimately fell just short.
Season Statistics
The 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship was the 76th running of the championship:
- Number of Grands Prix: 24
- Season Duration: March to December
- Power Unit Era: Final year of the configuration introduced in 2014
- Closest Title Fight: Just 2 points separated champion and runner-up
The Piastri Factor
Oscar Piastri’s championship campaign deserves special recognition. The Australian led the standings for 15 rounds, demonstrating remarkable consistency and speed in only his third F1 season.
While finishing third overall might feel like a disappointment given his mid-season position, Piastri’s performances establish him as a guaranteed future champion. McLaren’s challenge going forward will be managing two drivers capable of winning titles.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The 2026 season brings significant changes with new power unit regulations, marking the end of the hybrid era that began in 2014. Teams have been preparing for this transition for years, and the new rules could reshuffle the competitive order.
For McLaren and Norris, the focus will be on defending their titles against a hungry field. Verstappen and Red Bull will undoubtedly be motivated to reclaim what they’ve lost, while Ferrari and Mercedes will be hoping the regulation changes play to their strengths.
2025 Champions
- Drivers’ Champion: Lando Norris (McLaren-Mercedes)
- Constructors’ Champion: McLaren-Mercedes
The 2025 season delivered everything F1 fans could hope for: a championship battle that went to the wire, a popular first-time champion, and racing that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Lando Norris’ name is now etched among the sport’s greats.