F1 standings 2025, explained: How Max Verstappen came so close to all-time upset over Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri

Entering the final race of the Formula 1 season, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri all had a chance to make history.

Verstappen arrived at the season finale in Abu Dhabi with an opportunity to complete a historic late-season comeback and claim his fifth consecutive world drivers' championship, which would match the legendary record set by Michael Schumacher. Both Norris and Piastri were chasing their first-ever titles, while Verstappen aimed to join the sport's elite.

After closing a massive points gap with a dominant victory in Qatar, the Red Bull driver went into the final race weekend just 12 points behind championship leader Norris, setting up a tense, three-way finale that included Norris's McLaren teammate Piastri. While Norris remained the favorite — needing only a podium finish to secure his maiden title — Verstappen’s momentum made him a serious threat.

In the end, Verstappen could scarcely have got closer. He won the grand prix by a distance, with Piastri in second place and Norris in third. That meant the Dutch driver missed out on the championship to Norris by just two points.

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F1 standings

This is where the top 10 stood heading into the final race.

And below is how the final standings look after the race.

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How Max Verstappen came so close to winning 2025 F1 championship

For Verstappen to secure the championship and his fifth straight title, he needed a specific combination of results. He was the underdog, requiring help from the other drivers, as Norris needed only a podium finish (3rd place or higher) to secure the title, regardless of where Verstappen finished.

These were the scenarios that needed to happen if Verstappen finished on the podium.

Has Max Verstappen won an F1 championship?

Verstappen won four F1 championships in a row, winning titles consecutively from 2021 to 2024.

Michael Schumacher is the only driver in history to win five consecutive F1 championships.

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How Lando Norris won the 2025 F1 championship

Out of the three contenders, Norris had the easiest pathway to the title: get on the podium.

The British-Belgian driver knew he would win his first career title if he finished in first, second or third in Abu Dhabi. He claimed third place in the end.

Has Lando Norris won an F1 championship?

Norris' 2025 championship win was his first in F1. He is the 11th British driver to accomplish this feat.

Norris was the runner-up in the 2024 season, falling just short to Verstappen.

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How Oscar Piastri could have won 2025 F1 championship

Piastri's chances to win the championship were not as high as his teammate, Norris. In fact, he had to finish second and above, while getting some help. Third place or lower would have made it impossible.

In the end, Piastri finished in second place behind Verstappen, but Norris taking third spot meant the title race was over.

Had Piastri tied on points with Norris or Verstappen, the tie-breaker would have been the number of second-place finishes, where Norris also had the advantage (Norris: 8, Verstappen: 6, Piastri: 4).

Has Oscar Piastri won an F1 championship?

Piastri has not yet won an F1 world drivers' championship.

While he is yet to claim the sport's ultimate prize, Piastri has enjoyed significant success in his early career, including multiple grand prix wins — nine to date — and is the only driver in history to win the Formula Renault Eurocup, FIA Formula 3, and FIA Formula 2 championships in successive rookie seasons.