Overview
- Lando Norris secured his first championship by finishing third in Abu Dhabi, edging Max Verstappen by two points as McLaren also wrapped up the Constructors’ title.
- Oscar Piastri, who led much of the season before a late downturn, says he expects full fairness and equality at McLaren in 2026.
- Red Bull confirmed Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remains with the team, quashing online speculation following the finale.
- Team leaders and analysts argue Norris is a deserving champion, even as voices like Ralf Schumacher contend Verstappen remains F1’s benchmark driver.
- Focus now turns to a short off-season and the sweeping 2026 technical rules that could reshuffle the competitive order across the grid.