Formula One

Lando Norris is your 2025 F1 world champion: how would *you* rate this season?

Briton claims the top spot in Abu Dhabi – now it’s time to look back

Published: 08 Dec 2025

Fittipaldi. Hunt. Lauda. Prost. Senna. Häkkinen. Hamilton. And now… Norris. After a thrilling race in Abu Dhabi to conclude the 2025 Formula One season, the Briton added his name to McLaren’s roster of world champions.

After going full Sinatra and winning it ‘my way’, the 26-year-old Norris – like so many others – fulfilled a lifelong ambition to become an F1 world champion.

Advertisement - Page continues below

“I now know what Max feels like a little bit,” he said after the race, “and I want to congratulate Max and Oscar, my two biggest competitors the whole season. It’s been a pleasure to race against both of them.

“I’ve learned a lot from both of them as well,” he added.

As for the unstoppable Verstappen, he said after the race: “Honestly, we maximised everything that we could. We put it on pole and we won the race. There’s really not much that I could have done differently.”

And as for the season as a whole? “Massive rollercoaster for us. Of course, the first half had some nice moments, but mainly tough moments – some really tough races and feelings. But I’m also very proud of how we never gave up.

Advertisement - Page continues below

“And again, that’s also a lesson for the future, for everyone, that even when it looks like you’re out of it, you never give up. You keep working hard to try and understand your issues, and then you never know what can happen.” Wise words from the four-time champion… who just narrowly missed out equalling Schuey’s record of five consecutive wins.

What about Norris’s teammate Oscar Piastri, who for much of the year was looking like the more likely victor come Abu Dhabi? “There wasn’t anything left out there,” he said about the race. “We didn’t have an answer to Max’s pace. Not much more we could have done.”

Of only his second season in Formula One, he had this to say: “Obviously I would have wished for a slightly different ending, but I think this year I’ve learned a hell of a lot about myself as a race car driver, myself as a person.

“And I think even in the tough moments, I’ve learned a lot about myself and how I can be stronger in the future,” he added.

Top Gear
Newsletter

Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.

About his teammate and rival taking the top spot, he said, graciously: “We’ve pushed each other through the last three years. This season has been tighter than ever. I think he’s had a great season. Probably all three of us, but myself and Lando in the same team, in the same car, have had our ups and downs at different moments.

“Ultimately I think he’s had a good season and [is] a deserving champion.”

So, now it’s your turn to talk – how would you rate the 2025 season as a whole? Have your say below.

Image: McLaren

More from Top Gear

Loading
See more on Formula One

Subscribe to the Top Gear Newsletter

Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.

By clicking subscribe, you agree to receive news, promotions and offers by email from Top Gear and BBC Studios. Your information will be used in accordance with our privacy policy.

BBC TopGear
magazine

Subscribe to BBC Top Gear Magazine

find out more