Formula 1 September 29, 2025

With the Gap Shrinking and Max Back on Form, How Will the F1 Championship Unfold Ahead of Abu Dhabi?

The 2025 Formula One season has delivered drama at every turn, and the tension is only mounting as the campaign heads into its final phase. For much of the year, it seemed McLaren had seized control, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris pulling clear of the field. Yet the last two race weekends have changed everything. Max Verstappen, so often the benchmark of the modern era, has rediscovered his stride with commanding victories in Monza and Baku. The stage is set for an exhilarating climax with the 2025 F1 Championship Abu Dhabi showdown.

The Dutchman remains some way adrift in the points, but his momentum has given the title battle a new complexion and reignited hopes of a season that will go right down to the wire under the Yas Marina lights in Abu Dhabi for the 2025 F1 Championship Abu Dhabi showdown.

The State of Play

Heading into the final stretch, Piastri leads the standings on 324 points, closely followed by Norris with 299. Verstappen sits third on 255, a full 69 points off the leader.

That gap remains daunting, yet it is not insurmountable with seven races still to come. Red Bull’s recent upgrades have clearly shifted momentum. As Reuters reported after his Baku win, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella warned against dismissing Verstappen: “We should not underestimate Red Bull. Max remains a threat in this championship”.

Adding to the intrigue, Piastri made a rare mistake in Baku, a false start followed by running wide and crashing under pressure, costing himself valuable points. It was a reminder that even the most composed drivers are not immune to errors when the heat of a title fight intensifies.

Verstappen’s Narrow Path Back

Verstappen’s route back into contention requires near perfection. He must deliver mistake-free weekends, capitalise on every opportunity, and hope that McLaren falter at least once or twice. The reliability of the McLaren package so far makes that a tall order, but championships can turn on small margins.

A poorly timed safety car, a strategy call that backfires, or an untimely mechanical glitch could open the door. The psychological factor is equally important. Consecutive wins have boosted confidence within Red Bull and chipped away at McLaren’s sense of security. The more Verstappen closes the gap, the greater the pressure on Piastri and Norris to respond.

A Battle Within McLaren

The most intriguing subplot is the duel between the McLaren pair themselves. Piastri has displayed a calm assurance beyond his years, stringing together consistent podiums and taking crucial victories when it mattered. Norris, by contrast, has shown flashes of brilliance and a determination to assert himself as a title contender in his own right. With just 25 points separating them, every qualifying session and every wheel-to-wheel battle matters.

McLaren’s challenge is to manage two hungry drivers who are both chasing a first world championship. Formula One history is filled with examples of intra-team battles spiralling out of control. The Hamilton-Rosberg clash at Mercedes in 2016 is the most recent reminder of how combustible the situation can become. Should Piastri and Norris get in each other’s way, Verstappen will be waiting.

The Role of the Chasing Pack

While the focus is rightly on the top three, Ferrari and Mercedes still have a part to play. They may not be in contention for the title, but they have the machinery to disrupt the order. Charles Leclerc’s charge at Monza underlined Ferrari’s ability to intervene, while George Russell’s qualifying speed means Mercedes are always capable of putting themselves into podium contention.

These interventions could be decisive. If a Ferrari or Mercedes finishes between Verstappen and one of the McLarens in the final stretch, the points swing could alter the complexion of the championship.

The Road Ahead

The remaining calendar is varied and unpredictable. Singapore will test nerves and precision under the floodlights of Marina Bay. Suzuka’s sweeping corners could play to McLaren’s balanced chassis. Austin and Mexico City, by contrast, have historically suited Verstappen, particularly the altitude in Mexico which has favoured Red Bull in the past.

Brazil is almost always chaotic, with weather, safety cars and drama at Interlagos providing fertile ground for surprise outcomes. Las Vegas is still relatively new and offers little by way of precedent, making it a genuine unknown. And then comes Abu Dhabi, the jewel in the crown and the perfect stage for a decider.

For Verstappen, the task is straightforward in theory but difficult in practice. He must keep winning and rely on McLaren to stumble. If he can reduce the gap to within 20 or 30 points by the time the circus arrives in the UAE, Yas Marina could once again be the theatre of a title showdown.

The Weight of Abu Dhabi History

Few venues carry the narrative significance of Abu Dhabi. The 2021 finale between Verstappen and Hamilton remains one of the most dramatic conclusions to a championship in Formula One history. Yas Marina, with its glittering lights and atmosphere of spectacle, has become synonymous with climactic moments.

Another finale decided here would add to its lore. Should Verstappen arrive with the gap slimmed down, the combination of his experience and the pressure on McLaren’s young challengers could make for an unforgettable evening. Yet if Piastri and Norris continue to deliver with consistency, they may arrive with enough margin to close the door on Red Bull’s late charge.

Experience the Finale in Style with ES Sport

Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises to be a spectacular event. And there is no better way to experience the season finale than with ES Sport’s exclusive hospitality packages.

From the elegance of the Shams Suite, with its elevated views and premium dining, to the energy of the Sunset Lounge, which offers a vibrant atmosphere overlooking one of the most iconic sections of Yas Marina, ES Sport provides guests with unrivalled access to the very best of race weekend.

Abu Dhabi is more than just the conclusion to the Formula One season. It is a festival of speed, luxury, and entertainment, combining world-class racing with live performances and an electric atmosphere that extends across the city. For those looking to elevate the experience, ES Sport’s packages transform a race weekend into an unforgettable occasion.

The 2025 season is set to go down as one of the most captivating in recent years. Piastri leads the way, Norris is ready to challenge, and Verstappen has rediscovered his form just in time to make the run-in fascinating. The mathematics still favour McLaren, but the intangibles of momentum and pressure keep Verstappen in the fight.

Everything now points towards another grand finale in Abu Dhabi. Under the lights, with the desert air buzzing and the world watching, Formula One may once again crown its champion at Yas Marina. And with ES Sport, fans can be there to witness it all in style.