Overview
- Lando Norris secured the championship by finishing third in Abu Dhabi, ending Max Verstappen’s four-title run despite Verstappen winning the finale.
- The FIA confirmed Norris will carry the No. 1 in 2026, requiring Verstappen to choose a new race number after four seasons using it.
- Multiple reports say Helmut Marko is considering leaving Red Bull for 2026, with the longtime adviser acknowledging talks on his future, and Gianpiero Lambiase’s role is also under review.
- Lewis Hamilton closed his first Ferrari season with a career‑worst points total and said he plans to disconnect over the winter after a difficult campaign.
- Teams launched post‑season running at Yas Marina, including rookie mileage for drivers such as Pato O’Ward and ‘laboratory’ sessions configured to mimic the lower‑downforce, new-tyre environment expected in 2026.