Overview
- Lando Norris now leads the standings by 12 points over Max Verstappen and 16 over Oscar Piastri with 25 available in Abu Dhabi.
- A lap-seven safety car for Nico Hülkenberg’s clash with Pierre Gasly prompted most to pit, but McLaren kept both cars out and lost track position.
- Pirelli’s 25‑lap maximum per tyre mandated at least two pit stops and constrained strategy at Lusail.
- Oscar Piastri finished second, Carlos Sainz took third for Williams, and Norris recovered to fourth after passing Kimi Antonelli late on.
- Verstappen’s victory continues Red Bull’s late-season resurgence after upgrades, cutting a deficit that once stood at 104 points, with McLaren’s prior Las Vegas disqualifications also weighing on the title fight.