Lando Norris clinched his first Formula One world championship in Abu Dhabi, edging Max Verstappen by just two points, while Kiwi driver Liam Lawson saw a promising race unravel after a five-second penalty dropped him from a potential top-five finish to 18th.
Lawson, who had climbed to fifth before pitting, was penalised for what stewards deemed erratic defending against Haas rookie Ollie Bearman, leaving him unable to recover under Racing Bulls’ one-stop strategy.
Verstappen won the race—his eighth victory of the season—but it wasn’t enough to deny Norris the title, as McLaren completed the constructors–drivers double.
Despite a turbulent year that included being dropped from Red Bull’s senior team, Lawson ends the season 14th in the standings with seven points finishes and a confirmed seat at Racing Bulls for 2026.
