F1 Driver of the Day Shines at 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
At the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Max Verstappen was named F1 Driver of the Day, receiving 19% of the fan votes. He edged out Lando Norris, who garnered 16.3%. The spotlight, however, was on Norris as he secured his first F1 world title with a third-place finish.
Race Overview
Verstappen’s performance was marked by a decisive launch off the starting line. He quickly established the inside line into Turn 1, allowing him to command the race from the outset. His early lead allowed him to dictate the flow of the race, putting his Red Bull in a position of dominance.
- Driver: Max Verstappen – Red Bull
- Driver: Lando Norris – McLaren
- Driver: Oscar Piastri – McLaren
Key Performance Highlights
Verstappen’s ability to extend his medium-tyre stint while maintaining peak performance was crucial. He managed his pit stops effectively, reacting to competitors as needed. Even during the pit window shuffle, his consistent speed ensured he would retake the lead smoothly.
| Driver | Position |
|---|---|
| Max Verstappen | 1st |
| Oscar Piastri | 2nd |
| Lando Norris | 3rd |
As the race progressed, Verstappen’s commanding lead grew to over twenty seconds. He reclaimed first place decisively on Lap 44 with an assertive move at Turn 6, marking a smooth return to the front that left him unchallenged for the remainder of the race.
Norris Secures World Championship
While Verstappen excelled, Norris focused on maintaining his podium finish to claim the drivers’ championship. He needed to secure third, irrespective of Verstappen and Piastri’s positions. Even as Piastri initially gained an advantage, Norris kept pace to safeguard his title hopes.
- Norris’s margin of victory for the championship: 2 points.
- Title achievement: F1’s 35th World Champion.
In the final laps, Norris matched the pace of Charles Leclerc, who was closing in but ultimately could not threaten his position. As the checkered flag fell, he finished third, cementing his place in F1 history. Despite Verstappen’s race win and Driver of the Day title, it was Norris who took home the ultimate prize of the season.
