Abu Dhabi F1 showdown: How Norris, Verstappen, or Piastri can win the 2025 title

Max Verstappen remains in Formula 1 championship contention after taking victory in the Qatar Grand Prix ahead of Oscar Piastri.

With Lando Norris finishing in fourth it means Abu Dhabi will host a three-way battle for the title next weekend.

After Qatar, Norris’ lead has been reduced to just 12 points over Verstappen and 16 over Piastri.

The points situation means Norris remains in full control of his destiny: if he finishes third or better, he will clinch the title regardless of where Verstappen and Piastri finish.

Any result lower than third opens the door for either rival to snatch the crown if they win the race and Norris finishes far enough down the order, with Verstappen only able to overtake Norris if he outscores him by at least 13 points, and Piastri needing a 17-point swing.

Verstappen’s best hope is simple: he must finish well ahead of Norris, ideally by winning the race while Norris is fourth or lower.

That would allow Verstappen to overturn the current 12-point deficit and take the title.

Piastri faces even slimmer odds and must win in Abu Dhabi while hoping Norris finishes sixth or lower.

Even then, he must ensure Verstappen is not ahead of him in the final classification. In every other scenario, Norris remains champion.

2025 F1 championship points after Qatar GP