With just two races left on the 2025 Formula 1 calendar and a total of 58 points still available, the battle for the championship remains fierce. Three drivers are vying for the ultimate title, but the competition is far from over for the rest of the field. Every point is crucial as teams strive to secure their positions in the constructors’ standings, which come with significant financial rewards. As the season reaches its climax, the pressure mounts, particularly for those who once seemed to have the upper hand. With the final races taking place in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, teams must navigate two distinctly different tracks where the margin for error is razor-thin.
Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen are the three drivers still in contention for the 2025 championship title.
Which Drivers Are Still In The Title Fight?
The recent disqualification of the McLaren drivers following the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to a technical infringement has dramatically shifted the dynamics of the season. This ruling couldn’t have come at a more pivotal moment, favoring Max Verstappen, who had been trailing McLaren throughout the year. As a result, Verstappen and Piastri are now tied in points as the season heads into its final two races.
The season’s narrative is filled with twists. Early on, Oscar Piastri appeared to handle pressure with poise, showcasing impressive speed in his MCL39. Lando Norris, in contrast, struggled with consistency, often piecing together uneven performances on race days. However, as the season advanced, Piastri’s momentum waned, marked by errors and stagnation in qualifying, while Norris began delivering more complete race weekends.
Meanwhile, Red Bull faced challenges with an unpredictable car at the start of the season. Despite this, Max Verstappen managed to minimize the setbacks, staying within striking distance and waiting for the right moment to capitalize. That moment came with the introduction of Red Bull’s late-season upgrades, propelling Verstappen back into serious title contention.
The current performance trends indicate Verstappen’s strong late-season form, suggesting he could seize the championship if given the slightest opportunity. Lando Norris has shown greater consistency and composure, aside from a mistake at turn 1 during the Las Vegas Grand Prix. For Piastri, rediscovering his early-season pace is crucial in these closing stages.
How Driver Strategies Shift Across Different Circuits
The performance trend is clear. Verstappen’s late-season form is suggesting an upward swing. As past seasons have proven, if he is within a whiff of winning a title, he will take those chances. Norris is more consistent and more collected. Apart from missing the braking point of turn 1 on the opening lap of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, he managed the race well. Piastri must reconnect with the pace he had early-season.
Up next is the Qatar Grand Prix. Teams will need to make at least two pit stops for safety due to the high tyre degradation characteristics of the track. The Lusail International Circuit has many high and medium speed corners which means tyre conservation is a priority. It is also a sprint weekend which means there will be two separate occasions to score points. Oscar Piastri won the sprint last year while Max Verstappen took the big points haul after he won the race.
Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, presents a different question. It is more about long straights and a high demand on brakes while still carrying lateral load. Norris claimed victory here last season, and his form heading into the finale remains stronger than Piastri’s.
Variables at Play
There is one variable that may cause some problems for the papaya outfit. McLaren’s recent disqualification was linked to excessively low ride height. If the team raises the car to avoid further scrutiny, they could risk losing performance.
The Final Stretch
As we approach the final two races, it is important to remember that the human factor becomes just as influential as machinery. Driver feedback grows more crucial to figure out the optimal set up and teams rely on communication. At this stage in the season, the smallest misread can sink a weekend.
Norris is still the favorite, 24 points clear of both Piastri and Verstappen. The Dutchman, however, is closing fast with momentum that feels eerily familiar. Two very different circuits, 58 points on the table and three drivers who believe the title should be theirs.
The patterns of the season have brought the three here. What happens next will define the one who stands at the top.
Current Drivers’ Standings
1. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 390 pts
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 366 pts
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – 366 pts
4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 294 pts
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 226 pts
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 152 pts
7. Kimi Antonelli (Ferrari) – 137 pts
8. Alex Albon (Williams) – 73 pts
9. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 51 pts
10. Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber) – 49 pts
11. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 48 pts
12. Oliver Bearman (Haas F1 Team) – 41 pts
13. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 40 pts
14. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 36 pts
15. Esteban Ocon (Haas F1 Team) – 32 pts
16. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 31 pts
17. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull Racing) – 28 pts
18. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 22 pts
19. Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber) – 19 pts
20. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 0pts
