Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix LIVE updates: Norris, Verstappen and Piastri set for title showdown
Lando Norris takes on Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri to become Formula 1 world champion at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix today.
For the first time since 2010, three drivers go into the final F1 race with a chance of lifting the title following a season full of nail-biting drama and unpredictable twists.
McLaren’s Norris has a 12-point lead in the standings and need only finish on the podium to secure his maiden title – the first for Great Britain since Sir Lewis Hamilton in 2020.
He starts second on the grid at Yas Marina, but Verstappen has pole position, with the Red Bull star aiming to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of five consecutive title wins.
Piastri starts from third on the grid and led the championship for so much of the year but now needs a small miracle to overcome the 16-point deficit to teammate Norris.
Follow Metro’s LIVE blog for lap-by-lap updates, race start time, how to watch F1 and all the title permutations
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Abu Dhabi Grand Prix starting grid
An hour to go to lights out and the grid could not have been better lined-up. Verstappen starts on pole, with Norris second and Piastri third.
If the race finishes as it starts, Norris will win the championship by just five points. Turn One could decide everything.
Here’s the full starting grid:
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
- Esteban Ocon (Haas)
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
- Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull)
- Oliver Bearman (Haas)
- Carlos Sainz (Williams)
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- Alexander Albon (Williams)
- Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
- Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
What Norris, Verstappen and Piastri need to win F1 title
There are many different permutations at play today and we’ll keep you posted during the race as to whose leading the championship, but here’s the main points you need to know:
- Lando Norris will win the title if he finishes on the podium. Fourth or fifth will also be enough just as long as Verstappen doesn’t win.
- Max Verstappen has to finish on the podium to stand any chance of becoming champion. His most realistic hope is to win and hope that Norris doesn’t make the podium.
- As for Oscar Piastri, he has to finish first or second. Victory combined with Norris finishing sixth or lower is his best shot.
How to watch the F1 title-decider
In the UK, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event. You can also stream the action live on the Sky Go app.
Additionally, extended race highlights will be broadcast on Channel 4 at 6pm.
Better still, you can follow all the action from Yas Marina right here on our dedicated LIVE blog!
When does the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix start?
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will get underway at 1pm UK time – that’s 5pm local time.
The race at the Yas Marina circuit is unique as it’s the only twilight race on the F1 calendar – it begins during the day and finishes at night.
Welcome!
Good morning and welcome to Metro‘s LIVE coverage of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the F1 title-decider.
Lando Norris, Max Verstappen or Oscar Piastri – one of them will be crowned Formula One world champion today.
It’s set to one of the most epic races in the sport’s history…
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Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix LIVE updates: Norris, Verstappen and Piastri set for title showdown
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