CHAMPIONSHIP PERMUTATIONS

Thanks to Max Verstappen’s somewhat unexpected win in Qatar, Formula 1 is set for a spectacular showdown in the Abu Dhabi finale, with three drivers still in contention to become the 2025 world champion.

It could have been nice and straightforward for Lando Norris, who would be victorious if he had won the Qatar Grand Prix, but McLaren’s strategy error means that it is the first time since 2010 that more than two rivals have been up for the title going into the last round.

The Briton started the 57-lap race in second place alongside his team mate Oscar Piastri, but a cautious start saw Verstappen surge past at the first corner. Things went from bad to worse as the papaya team elected to keep their drivers out instead of pitting under the early Safety Car, leaving them with the gargantuan challenge of chasing down the Red Bull.

Thanks to Max Verstappen’s somewhat unexpected win in Qatar, Formula 1 is set for a spectacular showdown in the Abu Dhabi finale, with three drivers still in contention to become the 2025 world champion.

It could have been nice and straightforward for Lando Norris, who would be victorious if he had won the Qatar Grand Prix, but McLaren’s strategy error means that it is the first time since 2010 that more than two rivals have been up for the title going into the last round.

The Briton started the 57-lap race in second place alongside his team mate Oscar Piastri, but a cautious start saw Verstappen surge past at the first corner. Things went from bad to worse as the papaya team elected to keep their drivers out instead of pitting under the early Safety Car, leaving them with the gargantuan challenge of chasing down the Red Bull.