Lando Norris has won his first F1 world championship after a thrilling finale to the season in Abu Dhabi, edging out Max Verstappen by just two points.
The McLaren star, who becomes the 11th British F1 world champion, held off Red Bull’s four-time world champion, who won the grand prix, and teammate Oscar Piastri, who was second at Yas Marina Circuit.
Norris overcame a nightmare start, with Piastri overtaking him to move up to second and the Briton then avoided a punishment for overtaking Yuki Tsunoda with McLaren’s Zak Brown describing the Red Bull as “Dangerous”.
Norris safely pitted throughout the closing stages of the race and expertly guided his car home to land a historic double for the Papaya.
Follow live reaction and analysis from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with The Independent below:
Lando Norris wins 2025 F1 title – live reaction
- How Lando Norris repelled Max Verstappen’s terrific comeback to win 2025 F1 title
- Lando Norris wins his first-ever F1 title
- Third place in Abu Dhabi GP enough after nervy race
- Max Verstappen won from pole position and ends up only two points behind Norris
- Oscar Piastri was an outside shot to win title but finished second on the night
How Lando Norris repelled Max Verstappen’s terrific comeback to win 2025 F1 title
16:04 , Kieran Jackson in Abu DhabiThis time on Yas Island, there was no incomprehensible twist of Formula 1 fate. No late crash, no safety cars, no race manipulation.
The reality was that it was always going to take something extraordinary for Lando Norris to blow this year’s drivers’ title and, to the delight and relief of the McLaren team on tenterhooks trackside, the closing laps progressed without incident.
Their golden boy had his triumph.
How Lando Norris repelled Max Verstappen’s terrific comeback to win 2025 F1 title
Why Lando Norris escaped punishment for overtaking ‘dangerous’ Yuki Tsunoda off the track
20:30 , Mike JonesLando Norris nearly found himself in a spot of bother in his pursuit of becoming Formula 1 world champion after he found himself under investigation for going off the track when aggressively overtaking Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda.
Tsunoda, driving defensively with Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen’s title hopes in mind, was overtaken on the outside by Norris with the help of DRS on lap 23.
Why Norris escaped punishment for overtaking Tsunoda off the track at Abu Dhabi GP
When does 2026 F1 season start?
19:50 , Mike JonesWith a thrilling 2025 Formula 1 season concluding in Abu Dhabi, attention now turns to next season and a rule change which could shake-up the pecking order.
New engine and chassis regulations in 2026 mean the teams – including F1’s new outfit, Cadillac – will undergo three different pre-season tests, one in Barcelona and two in Bahrain.
Then, the season gets underway with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the sport’s traditional curtain-raiser.
When does 2026 F1 season start?
Who are the drivers racing next season?
19:30 , Mike JonesWhat is the driver line-up for 2026?
McLAREN
Lando Norris
Oscar Piastri
FERRARI
Charles Leclerc
Lewis Hamilton
RED BULL
Max Verstappen
Isack Hadjar
MERCEDES
George Russell
Kimi Antonelli
ASTON MARTIN
Fernando Alonso
Lance Stroll
ALPINE
Pierre Gasly
Franco Colapinto
HAAS
Esteban Ocon
Ollie Bearman
RACING BULLS
Liam Lawson
Arvid Lindblad
WILLIAMS
Alex Albon
Carlos Sainz
SAUBER
Nico Hulkenberg
Gabriel Bortoleto
CADILLAC (new team)
Sergio Perez
Valtteri Bottas
NOTE: italics represent new seat
Norris explains feelings behind winning world title
19:10 , Mike Jones"Last few laps, it was fairly relaxed. I almost had more problems when I tried to relax a bit. I don't think Will even said it was the last lap,” Norris revealed about the closing stages of the race.
"What makes it better is I get to share it with the team. We have been through a lot together.
“I wanted to do it with McLaren since the beginning and I feel like they are just as much as part of it, so I'm very happy we got the drivers and constructors' titles together."
Another British World Champion
18:30 , Mike JonesLando Norris becomes the 11th British F1 world champion at the end of his seventh season in F1.
It is also McLaren's first drivers' and constructors' title double since 1998.
Oscar Piastri jokes with Max Verstappen over Abu Dhabi Grand Prix strategy
18:10 , Will CastleOscar Piastri was seen joking with Max Verstappen over his decision not to “back everyone up” in the F1 season finale at the Abu Dhabi GP.
Lando Norris prevailed as world champion by podiuming at the Yas Marina Circuit, doing what was required to secure a first title by finishing third behind Verstappen and Piastri to finish two points clear of the Dutchman.
Oscar Piastri jokes with Max Verstappen over Abu Dhabi Grand Prix strategy
A final word from Piastri
17:54 , Mike JonesOscar Piastri finished third in the drivers’ championship and summed up his season:
"When things have been good this year, I've felt unstoppable at points and to even be able to get to that point is a pretty cool feeling.
"There has been plenty of times when that has not been the case and I think I've learnt a lot of lessons on how to deal with tough moments and adversity from different directions.
"Ultimately, I've learnt a lot about myself and I've been in championship battles in the junior categories, but in F1 you've got a little bit extra to it.
"I've learnt plenty about that this year and I think that will only help me going forward."
'It's pretty insane'
17:50 , Mike JonesIt seems like it still haven’t sunk in what he’s achieved for Lando Norris.
The 2025 F1 World Champion says: "It's pretty cool, it's pretty insane, it is hard for me to say it. It's been a season of ups and downs.
“Has it been perfect? Absolutely not, I've had my struggles and my fortune. Winning the championship is about consistency. I focused on myself.
"I am happy I cried, I didn't know if I was going to. I thought of my mum and that thought made me cry. I got a bit more emotional, pretty amazing day.”
Piastri on battle with Norris
17:43 , Mike JonesMore from Oscar Piastri who said: "It's been a fun challenge, at certain points maybe it doesn't feel that fun, but it has been a really enjoyable season for both of us and I'm saying that as the person who isn't champion.
"I've learnt plenty of things along the way and I think over the last three years I've learnt things every weekend from what Lando [Norris] does, and it's nice to know it goes both ways.
"There's plenty more years to come of intense weekends and tight battles, but ultimately, I think that has made both of us better drivers and in some ways contributed to the success that both of us have his this year."
'We tried everything'
17:33 , Mike Jones"I think today yes [I can be satisfied], we gave it everything,” said Oscar Piastri about his challenge for the World Championship today.
“We tried a bit of a gamble on strategy and tried absolutely everything to try and win the race and give ourselves the best chance to win a championship.”
Hamilton 'happy' for Norris
17:23 , Mike Jones"I'm really happy for him. Winning your first World Championship is truly special,” Lewis Hamilton said of Lando Norris’ title win.
"[The] UK continues to pump out great drivers, and I know what the feeling is also when you're coming into this race and fighting for your first championship, it's nerve-wracking. I'm just really proud of him.
"Before the weekend, I told him what he does works, so don't change anything, and I guess that's what he did."
'It wasn't meant to be'
17:13 , Mike Jones"It's been a great season trying to beat each other," said Oscar Piastri on his battles with Lando Norris this year.
"Tried our best to get there but it wasn't quite to be."
Norris praises teammate Piastri
17:03 , Mike JonesHe says: "More than anything, I want to enjoy the moment but give thanks to Oscar and Max.
"But to Oscar, no-one knows how hard it can be to have teammates fighting for the championship. It is tougher than one car, we take points off each other, strategy is more difficult.
“I have to give a congrats to Oscar, he's driven incredibly, at some point he will get the better of me, as he is an incredible driver.
“I've got a lot more seasons with him."
Norris on Piastri
16:55 , Mike Jones"The first season was very tough, I'm lucky the team have given me an incredible car,” Norris continued during his post race interviews.
“Oscar has done an incredible job and I'm glad I've had him the last three years.
“I've learnt a lot from him, and my other teammates, Carlos [Sainz] and Daniel [Ricciardo], but he made me dig deeper than I have ever had to before.”
'I managed to make my family happy'
16:48 , Mike Jones"My best performance this year came when I needed them the most, the second half of the season when I was a little bit on the back foot, that's when I did the best, when I showed the most in me,” Lando Norris said about the help he received from his family this year.
"I'm proud, I've got my family here, my girlfriend here, I would hate to embarrass them, I'm proud, I managed to do them happy.
“This is for my mum and dad, they let me chase this dream."
Norris and McLaren start the celebrations
16:41 , Mike Jones Lando Norris wins 2025 F1 world championship with tense podium at Abu Dhabi GP
16:34 , Kieran JacksonLando Norris has won his first Formula 1 world title after a tense but gripping finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The 26-year-old from Somerset, who needed a podium to secure the title, finished third behind Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri to finish just two points clear of the Dutchman, whose valiant fightback came up just short at the Yas Marina Circuit. Piastri finishes the season 13 points behind championship winner Norris.
Lando Norris wins 2025 F1 world championship with tense podium at Abu Dhabi GP
F1 World Drivers' Championship standings
16:26 , Mike JonesHere’s how the 2025 Formula 1 Drivers Championship finished up:
1. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 423
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 421
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 410
4. George Russell (Mercedes) - 319
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 242
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 156
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 150
8. Alexander Albon (Williams) - 73
9. Carlos Sainz (Williams) - 64
10. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 56
11. Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber) - 51
12. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) - 51
13. Oliver Bearman (Haas) - 41
14. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 38
15. Esteban Ocon (Haas) - 38
16. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 33
17. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) - 33
18. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 22
19. Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber) - 19
20. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) - 0
21 Jack Doohan (Alpine) - 0
Norris praises team for championship win
16:19 , Mike JonesMore from Lando Norris now who said: "I did it with an incredible team, Will J, Jarvis, all the boys and girls that I have enjoyed so many moments with.
“It's not just this year, it has been over the last seven or eight years being with McLaren, with the last 16, 17 years of my life, trying to chase this dream and today we all did it so, I'm pretty happy."
More reaction from the 2025 World Champion
16:12 , Mike JonesLando Norris said: "It's incredible. It is pretty surreal, you know? I've dreamed of this for a long, long time.
“Everyone does. A lot goes into a season like this, a lot of ups, a lot of downs.
“But, none of that matters as long as you try and come out on top, that's what we have managed to do.”
Congratulations come in for Norris
16:05 , Mike JonesGeorge Russell has congratulated Lando Norris by posting on social media: "Congrats mate, you’ve driven insane this year!!! Came a long way since these days, enjoy the moment."
Former Red Bull driver, Sergio Perez, posted: "Bravo Lando Norris you and all McLaren congratulations!! Well deserved."
Why are the trophies presented later this week?
15:59 , Mike JonesThe FIA’s International Sporting Code allows for competitors to ask the governing body for a right of review of events if a fresh element is discovered that could change the decision of a grand prix.
This came into focus in 2021, when Mercedes considered an official appeal of the Abu Dhabi GP race result after Lewis Hamilton lost out to Max Verstappen after a contentious application of the rules by race director Michael Masi.
However, Mercedes officially withdrew their appeal in the days that followed.
For Norris, there will be no such concerns of post-race changes.
When is F1 drivers’ world championship trophy presented?
15:52 , Kieran JacksonThe F1 world champion has been crowned – but Lando Norris will have to wait to receive his trophy.
The 26-year-old became Britain’s 11th F1 world champion after securing the points he needed at the season-finale in Abu Dhabi, finishing third behind Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. It means Norris takes the title by just two points.
Yet Norris will have to wait until Friday to receive his actual trophy.
When is F1 drivers’ world championship trophy presented?
'Piastri is a future world champion'
15:45 , Mike Jones"He is a future world champion,” Zak Brown said of Oscar Piastri.
“Drove brilliantly, they supported each other, it's cruel support, and I am excited to go racing with these guys next year."
'Everyone at McLaren have done an amazing job'
15:38 , Mike JonesBrown also spoke about McLaren’s strategy of letting both their drivers race and challenge for the title.
"To us, it's the right way to go racing with two awesome racing drivers,” he explained.
“Very proud of how everyone conducted themselves, the teamwork, the highs and lows, and how we dealt with the lows.
"The teamwork and everyone at McLaren have done such an amazing job, great pit stops today, great strategy."
'Unbelievably proud of our two drivers'
15:32 , Mike JonesHere’s more from McLaren CEO Zak Brown:
“Unbelievably proud of the team, unbelievably proud of the two drivers.
“A lot of people said that it was going to be impossible to pull off, it's just a dream racing with these two guys. Oscar and Lando have been awesome all year; this Max guy is pretty hard to beat.
"So well deserved from everyone, can't wait to get back to the factory and celebrate with the entire team. We have a great group here, but we have a lot of men and women back at McLaren.”
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix results
15:26 , Mike JonesLet’s look at how the final race of the 2025 season finished:
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
3. Lando Norris (McLaren)
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
6. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
7. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
8. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
9. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)
10. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
11. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
12. Ollie Bearman (Haas)
13. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
14. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull)
15. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
16. Alex Albon (Williams)
17. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
18. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
19. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
20. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
Norris on becoming World Champion
15:21 , Mike JonesHere’s what it means to Lando Norris.
"I mean look it has been a long journey with McLaren, I have been with them for nine years and we've been through plenty of difficult times and plenty of good times,” he said,
"For me to be able to bring something back to them and it's their first drivers' [title] in many, many years, so I feel like I did my part for the team this year and I'm very proud of myself for that.
"I'm even more proud for everyone who I hopefully made cry."
Norris just 'tried to enjoy the moment'
15:16 , Mike JonesA surprising moment for Norris during the race was the investigation into his overtake on Yuki Tsunoda.
It turns out that he knew nothing about it while the race was ongoing.
"I had no idea, I didn't care, I knew what I did was fine and I had nothing to worry about,” Norris told Jenson Button in another of his post race interviews.
"I was just trying to enjoy the moment, not many people in the world and not many people in Formula One ever get to experience what I have experienced this season and this year.
"I'm happy for everyone more than me, but I'm just crazy happy."
Reaction from Will Joseph
15:10 , Mike JonesWill Joseph, or Willy J as Lando Norris calls him, is the race engineer for the new Formula 1 world champion.
He spoke to Sky Sports and explained how calm the team was during the race.
"We spoke a lot about what we needed to achieve it, we were calm in the race,” Joseph said.
“There's no point worrying about things out of your control.
“We talk a lot, there are so many people involved in Lando, getting the most of Lando, everyone listening, you know who you are, it's truly appreciated."
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix results
15:06 , Mike JonesLet’s look at how the final race of the 2025 season finished:
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
3. Lando Norris (McLaren)
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
6. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
7. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
8. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
9. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)
10. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
Norris takes in the applause
15:01 , Mike JonesThe trophy presentation for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a quickfire affair.
Lando Norris comes out first after his third place finish. Oscar Piastri follows and finally Max Verstappen.
Each are presented with their respective trophies.
The champagne flows and gets sprayed over all three before Verstappen and Piastri depart to leave Norris to drink in the praise from the watching crowd.
Where does Lando Norris rank in the history of British Formula 1 world champions?
14:58 , Kieran JacksonIt’s now official: Lando Norris is a Formula 1 world champion.
The 26-year-old has become Britain’s 11th F1 world champion and also becomes McLaren’s eighth world champion and first since Lewis Hamilton in 2008.
Hamilton was the last British champion in 2020 and is a joint record-holder overall as a seven-time world champion. But where does he and Norris rank in the list of British champions?
Where does Lando Norris rank in the history of British Formula 1 world champions?
Tearful Lando Norris reacts to first F1 world title after tense finale in Abu Dhabi
14:54 , Will CastleLando Norris was overcome with emotion as he sealed his first Formula 1 world title after a tense yet thrilling finale at the Abu Dhabi GP.
The McLaren star, who becomes the 11th British F1 world champion, pipped Red Bull’s four-time world champion Max Verstappen to the crowd by just two points after the Dutchman won the final grand prix, as well as edging out teammate Oscar Piastri, who was second at Yas Marina Circuit.
Tearful Lando Norris reacts to first F1 world title after tense finale in Abu Dhabi
World Drivers' Championship standings
14:53 , Mike JonesIn the end it all came down to two points.
Lando Norris is the new F1 World Champion and pips Max Verstappen to the title.
1. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 423 points
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 421 points
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 410 points
'I'm just crazy happy'
14:51 , Mike Jones“Not many people in the world or in Formula 1 get to experience what I’ve experienced this year,” Norris said.
“I’m happy for everyone more than me, I’m just crazy happy!
“It’s been a long journey for me and McLaren, we’ve been together nine years, been through crazy times.
“It’s their first drivers title in many years, I did my part for the team this year.”
Lando Norris is the 2025 F1 World Champion
14:48 , Mike JonesLando Norris did it. A first world title secured with a third place finish in Abu Dhabi.
'Max and Oscar made my life hard'
14:45 , Mike Jones“You can't not think about it, but it's a long race, anything in Formula 1 can happen, I kept pushing,” explained Norris about handling the pressure of the race.
“I could ease off at the end, but I wanted to fight for the end, Max fighting all the way, Oscar catching up, they made my life hard. But I'm happy.”
'I didn't think I'd cry but I did'
14:44 , Mike JonesHere’s Lando Norris trying to get his feelings across after claiming the F1 world title.
“I've not cried in a while, I didn't think I'd cry, but I did, it's a long journey,” Norris says.
“First of all, I want to say a big thanks to my guys, everyone at McLaren, my parents, I'm not crying.
“My Mum and Dad, they're the ones who supported me since the beginning.
“I know what Max feels like a bit, also my teammate, it's been a pleasure, I've learned a lot from them. It's been a long year, but we did it, I'm so proud of everyone."
Why Lando Norris escaped punishment for overtaking ‘dangerous’ Yuki Tsunoda off the track at Abu Dhabi GP
14:41 , Will CastleLando Norris nearly found himself in a spot of bother in his pursuit of becoming Formula 1 world champion after he found himself under investigation for going off the track when aggressively overtaking Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda.
Tsunoda, driving defensively with Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen’s title hopes in mind, was overtaken on the outside by Norris with the help of DRS on lap 23.
Why Norris escaped punishment for overtaking Tsunoda off the track at Abu Dhabi GP
'We did it!'
14:39 , Mike JonesHere’s the initial reaction from McLaren boss Zak Brown:
"We did it, it wasn't easy.
“Lando and Oscar, what a group of great drivers!"
The celebrations begin
14:37 , Mike JonesLando Norris stands on top of his car and receives the adulation of the crowd.
He then heads over to his parents and the McLaren team, giving hugs and high fives.
Norris is the 2025 World Champion.
Cheers of ‘Lando, Lando, Lando’ erupts from the watching supporters.
Lando Norris wins 2025 F1 world championship with tense podium at Abu Dhabi GP
14:35 , Kieran Jackson in Abu DhabiLando Norris has won his first Formula 1 world title after a tense but gripping finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The 26-year-old from Somerset, who needed a podium to secure the title, finished third behind Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri to finish just two points clear of the Dutchman, whose valiant fightback came up just short at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Piastri finishes the season 13 points behind championship winner Norris.
Lando Norris wins 2025 F1 world championship with tense podium at Abu Dhabi GP
Norris emotional after winning world title
14:34 , Mike JonesThe tears come from an emotional Lando Norris who is at first speechless.
He eventually gets out a few word: “Thank you guys.
“You’ve made a kid’s dream come true. Thank you mum, thank you dad, for everything.”
Lando Norris wins world title!
14:31 , Mike JonesAbu Dhabi Grand Prix results
Top five:
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
3. Lando Norris (McLaren)
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 58 of 58 - Lando Norris wins world drivers championship!
14:30 , Mike JonesThere it is!
Max Verstappen takes the victory in Abu Dhabi with Oscar Piastri in second place.
But, Lando Norris finished in third place which is enough for him to claim the world title.
Norris deposes Verstappen as the Formula 1 World Champion.
It’s a double for McLaren who also win the constructor’s title too.
Take a bow, Lando Norris the 2025 F1 World Champion.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 57 of 58 - Norris on brink of title
14:27 , Mike JonesIt’s all looking rosey for Lando Norris. Just a couple of laps to go before his childhood dreams come true.
A third place finish will be enough for him. Ana de Armas has the chequered flag in hand.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 55 of 58
14:25 , Mike JonesFour laps to go.
Norris is gaining on Piastri and may be thinking about taking second place and securing his grip on the championship further.
“Is he struggling with graining?” Norris asks of Piastri’s car?
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 53 of 58
14:22 , Mike JonesNorris has increased the gap to Leclerc and it’s now above five seconds again.
It’s been a superb race from the Brit who is closing in on his first ever world title.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 51 of 58 - Verstappen leads ahead of Piastri
14:19 , Mike JonesThis will be a third win in as many weeks for Max Verstappen but it looks as though it won’t be enough.
Oscar Piastri has given it his all as well.
Is there time for one more dramatic twist in this title battle?
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 50 of 58
14:17 , Mike JonesEight laps still to go. Lando Norris has handled the nerves and the stress of this race brilliantly.
He’s just about keeping Leclerc at bay though the gap between them is getting shorter.
Can Norris hold on?
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 47 of 58 - 'Is Charles catching him?'
14:15 , Mike Jones“Is Charles catching him or not?” That’s what Max Verstappen wants to know.
He’s got the race in hand but not the championship.
Both Leclerc and Norris are putting in similar lap times. There’s not much between them at present. Certainly not enough for Leclerc to overtake yet.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 47 of 58
14:13 , Mike JonesMcLaren still have the option of having Piastri give up a place to Norris.
Verstappen is being closed down by Piastri who wants to win this race.
As things stand Norris is still leading the world championship.
Charles Leclerc is flying though and sets the latest quickest lap.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 45 of 58 - Piastri told to battle Verstappen
14:10 , Mike JonesOscar Piastri is told to try and close the gap on Max Verstappen but it’ll be a tough task.
Lando Norris has to keep Charles Leclerc at bay. He’s five seconds ahead of the Ferrari.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 43 of 58
14:07 , Mike JonesCurrent top five:
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
3. Lando Norris (McLaren)
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 42 of 58 - Piastri told to box
14:06 , Mike JonesThe move from Charles Leclerc forced McLaren’s hand and now they decide to box Oscar Piastri with Norris safely positioned.
Piastri comes out ahead of Norris in second place and on medium tyres.
Can he catch Max Verstappen? The gap is 24 seconds.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 41 of 58 - Leclerc pits!
14:04 , Mike JonesFerrari and Charles Leclerc head into the pits and give McLaren some thinking to do.
They tell Norris to box as well to cover the move.
Both cars are out on the hard tyres. Norris gets back out ahead of both Leclerc and George Russell of Mercedes!
Norris is still out in third place.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 38 of 58 - Norris has a comfort zone
14:00 , Mike JonesThe gap between Norris and Verstappen is near enough the same as between Norris and Leclerc.
If Leclerc pits so will Norris to ensure he keeps hold of third place.
McLaren’s focus is now on Piastri who needs to change tyres. He’s losing time to Verstappen now.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 37 of 58
13:57 , Mike JonesThere’s activity in the McLaren garage. Piastri may be thinking about coming in.
On the radio Norris is told: “You’re doing a great job against Leclerc, he might pit soon and we’ll cover it.”
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 33 of 58 - Tsunoda defence 'dangerous and unnecessary'
13:52 , Mike JonesMcLaren boss Zak Brown has been on the pit wall talking about Yuki Tsunoda defending his place from Lando Norris.
He says: "I think it was clearly the right decision, it was a dangerous and unnecessary manoeuvre.
“This is a team sport, I'm not surprise by Red Bull's communications, you have to put that one on Yuki going over the line, it's a dangerous manoeuvre, but we're OK now."
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 30 of 58
13:48 , Kieran Jackson in Abu DhabiBang on cue - Tsunoda gets a five-second time penalty for "more than one change of direction." And the investigation on Norris is dismissed.
A double sigh of relief down at McLaren. We move on with Norris unaffected...
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 29 of 58 - Piastri needs to pit
13:45 , Mike JonesOscar Piastri is on the hard tyre and will need to pit.
McLaren need to decide when to get him in and will want to avoid being Charles Leclerc getting ahead of him.
Decisions to be made here.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 25 of 58 - Verstappen pits!
13:40 , Mike JonesTsunoda was weaving around before that Norris overtake which forced Norris off track.
Max Verstappen has gone into the pit lane with plenty of time to get back onto track in second place.
Oscar Piastri leads.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 23 of 58 - Norris overtakes!
13:39 , Mike JonesLando Norris sweeps out to the left and goes on the overtake.
Tsunoda forces him off the track to try and avoid the move and Norris may have gone off track.
He gets around the Red Bull and Norris is into third place again!
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 22 of 58 - Leclerc going well
13:35 , Mike JonesCharles Leclerc has moved through the traffic as easily as Lando Norris and is piling the pressure on.
Tsunoda is up to third and nearly 24 seconds behind Verstappen who leads the race.
Norris will have DRS on him within a lap or so.
Leclerc meanwhile is less than two seconds behind the McLaren of Norris.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 20 of 58
13:33 , Mike JonesTwo in one!
Norris reels in Lance Stroll and Liam Lawson to make it up to fifth place.
He’s now behind Yuki Tsunoda who is Max Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate.
Norris is driving brilliantly but he’s losing time to both Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 18 of 58 - Plan A for Piastri
13:30 , Mike JonesMcLaren have radioed Piastri and asked whether they can stick with Plan A.
He says yes. That looks like Piastri will go long on the hard tyres.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 17 of 58 - Norris pits!
13:28 , Mike Jones“Keep building this gap on Leclerc, it gives us choices.”
That’s the message to Lando Norris who then heads into the pits.
2.1 seconds is the stop time as Leclerc follows him into the pit lane.
Norris gets back on track in ninth place behind Kimi Antonelli!
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 15 of 58
13:25 , Mike JonesCharles Leclerc has dropped a little further behind Norris and seems to be feeling some affect of graining on the tyres as well.
George Russell has told his team to box so he and switch the tyres.
He’s trying to undercut Charles Leclerc!
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 12 of 58
13:20 , Mike Jones“So far so good,” says Zak Brown on the McLaren pit wall.
“I can’t say we’re comfortable but we’re in good shape and need to manage the risk.”
Brown added: “No, not a surprise [to see the McLarens swap positions after the first lap]."
Norris is +1.084 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc in fourth.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP | Lap 5 of 58
13:11 , Mike JonesGood news for Lando Norris who has started to extend his gap over Charles Leclerc.
It’s now over a second and the longer it goes the more comfortable he’ll feel.
He remains in third place and that would be enough to win him the world championship.
Verstappen blocks off Norris!
13:05 , Mike JonesMax Verstappen comes across immediately to block off Lando Norris who weaves out onto the outside for the first corner.
All three contenders head through in the same order.
Piastri pushes up and gets into the slipstream of Norris. He uses the extra boost to sweep past his teammate which takes him into second!
Lights out!🟢
13:03 , Mike JonesRed Bull and Max Verstappen will try to control this race and keep as many cars in contention as long as possible to disrupt the two McLarens.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri might try to get themselves ahead early on.
The countdown begins, the lights turn green, we’re off!