After 23 race weekends and 10 months, the 2025 Formula One (F1) season will conclude with its final round in Abu Dhabi. Unlike the last few seasons, this year’s Abu Dhabi GP is more than just a season finale; it will be the climax of the thrilling 2025 World Drivers’ Championship (WDC).
Yas Marina will witness a three-way title fight between Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen. The main focus will be on the WDC, but it will also give other teams and drivers a last chance to improve their standings and finish on a positive note.
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Track and Weather
Veteran designer Hermann Tilke designed the Yas Marina Circuit. The 1.2 km straight between turns seven and eight dominates the track. Slow-speed corners mark the beginning and the end of this straight. The tricky run through turns 15 and 16 into 17 forces drivers to brake hard while the car is under lateral load.
To improve racing in 2021, changes were made to the track. Quicker corners replaced the sequence of chicanes, and some slow turns were eased.
| Circuit Name | Yas Marina Circuit |
| Circuit Length | 5.218 km |
| Race Distance | 306.183 km |
| Number of Laps | 58 |
| Turns | 16 |
| DRS Zone(s) | 2 |
| Fastest Lap | Kevin Magnussen 2024 (1:25.637) |
There will be no rain during the Abu Dhabi GP weekend. The temperature is predicted to reach 28°C and drop to 23°C for evening sessions.
Title race climax
After 23 races, the 2025 F1 WDC champion has yet to be crowned. Max Verstappen’s exceptional comeback, paired with McLaren’s fumble, has made the title battle so interesting that it will be decided during the Abu Dhabi GP.
For the first time in 15 years, three drivers are in the title fight going into the last race. Lando Norris is only 12 points clear of his title rival Verstappen. Meanwhile, his teammate Oscar Piastri trails him by 16 points and will need a miracle to secure his maiden championship.
For Norris, the equation is simple: he just needs to finish on the podium. Verstappen needs to win the race or finish in the top three, but for that to matter, Norris must finish eighth or below.
Piastri will enter this contest as a dark horse. He has been struggling after the summer break. The Australian needs a win or at least second place, hopes that Verstappen finishes behind him, and that Norris ends up far down the order.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Farewell race with Red Bull
On Tuesday (2 December 2025), Red Bull announced the 2026 lineup, confirming Yuki Tsunoda will serve as the reserve driver for the Milton Keynes-based team, losing his seat to Isack Hadjar. The Japanese driver was promoted to the main team from the junior team during the third round, at his home race.
The 25-year-old has struggled to keep up with his teammate Max Verstappen. He has managed to score only 33 points.
Tsunoda has one last race before leaving his permanent seat. He has one final chance to finish on a positive note. The Japanese driver can also contribute to his teammate’s title pursuit by taking points off the rivals.
Abu Dhabi will conclude the 2025 season with the WDC crowned, will Verstappen win his fifth title, or will either Norris or Piastri get their maiden title? This also provides other drivers, such as Hamilton, to end their season on a positive note.
