The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix wrapped up a tough 24-race Formula 1 season, marking the final chapter for the current generation of F1 cars. The thrilling championship battle went down to the wire with three contenders vying for the title. We reviewed the performances to highlight the drivers and teams who exceeded expectations, as well as those relieved to get a winter break.
Here are the key winners and losers from the 2025 F1 season:
Winners – Lando Norris and McLaren
Unsurprisingly, Lando Norris and McLaren topped the winners’ list. Norris clinched his first world championship, though he wasn’t the standout driver of the year. After a flawless start, his title challenge stumbled during a difficult stretch when he made several errors despite driving the season’s strongest car. Nonetheless, Norris exhibited remarkable resilience, overcoming setbacks including a surprising retirement at Zandvoort. His McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, who had led the championship for much of the season, faltered late on and exited the title fight, paving the way for Norris’s rise. McLaren successfully defended their constructors’ title and secured their first drivers’ championship since 2008, all while maintaining solid team unity amid criticism.
Losers – Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton
This year might go down as one of Lewis Hamilton’s toughest in Formula 1. His much-anticipated move to Ferrari turned into a disappointment, with no podium finishes and three consecutive Q1 failures during his debut campaign. The seven-time world champion lagged nearly 100 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc, who had a commendable year despite Ferrari’s struggles resulting in their first winless season since 2021. Adjusting to a new team and car was challenging, but Hamilton’s performances did not meet his usual standards, marking the lowest point of his F1 career. His lone bright spot was an impressive pole and sprint race win at the Chinese Grand Prix early in the season.
Winner – Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen delivered arguably his finest season despite narrowly missing out on the title by just two points. The four-time champion faced setbacks, especially mid-season when Red Bull lagged 104 points behind the leader with nine races left. Yet Verstappen stayed persistent, benefiting from a Red Bull resurgence and errors from McLaren, propelling him into an unlikely title chase. He shone at the finale in Abu Dhabi, securing the most poles and wins (eight each) and leaving fans wondering what might have been if he’d raced a McLaren.
Loser – Red Bull’s Number Two Driver
It’s been a tough year for Red Bull’s second driver role. Liam Lawson’s time alongside Verstappen improved slightly after two disastrous outings before Hiroki Tsunoda took over. Tsunoda performed better but still struggled to make an impact, overshadowed by Verstappen’s dominance. Despite promising moments, inconsistency plagued his season, which ended with him scoring 30 points against Verstappen’s 421—the widest teammate gap in F1 history. Lawson rebounded respectably at Racing Bulls, but Tsunoda’s reputation was significantly damaged.
Winner – Rookie Isaac Hajar
Isaac Hajar emerged as the top rookie and earned a Red Bull seat for 2026. After a rough start with a crash in Australia, he bounced back strongly, showcasing speed and consistency, highlighted by a third-place podium at Zandvoort. Fellow rookies Kimi Antonelli and Olly Bearman experienced ups and downs but demonstrated potential, while Gabriel Bortleto, despite weaker machinery, impressed with standout drives including sixth in Hungary.
Loser – Alpine
Alpine had a dreadful 2025, finishing last in the constructors’ standings and scoring points just five times—48 points behind Sauber. Pierre Gasly was the sole point-scorer, with spirited performances including sixth at Silverstone and Q3 qualifications. Alpine decided early to focus on next year’s rule reset and will switch to Mercedes engines in hopes of a turnaround.
Winner – Williams
Aside from McLaren, Williams was the biggest success story, finishing fifth—their best since 2017. The signing of Carlos Sainz paid off, and alongside Alex Albon, they formed a competitive pair, marking Williams’s return to triple-digit points and positioning them for a promising future.
Loser – Aston Martin
Aston Martin’s season was marked by disappointment despite Fernando Alonso’s efforts, who finished seventh in the constructors’ and scored 56 points, beating teammate Lance Stroll. Their best race finish was fifth in Hungary. With a new Honda engine and Adrian Newey’s design input, expectations are high for 2026, leaving no room for excuses.
Winner – Racing Bulls
Racing Bulls enjoyed a successful season, despite changes in drivers and management, finishing sixth with 92 points—their best since 2021. Isaac Hajar was the team’s standout performer with a podium at Zandvoort. The team hopes new talent Arvid Lindblad can keep the momentum going.
Loser – Jack Doohan
Jack Doohan’s debut season with Alpine was forgettable, marred by two major crashes and being replaced by Franco Colapinto after just six races without scoring points. His notable crashes included one in wet conditions at Australia and a dangerous one at Suzuka caused by a DRS failure.
Fan Take:
This season’s mix of unexpected champions and rookie breakthroughs keeps Racing fans on the edge of their seats, promising fresh rivalries and exciting talent for the future. With team dynamics shifting and new talents emerging, the sport is set for a thrilling next chapter that could reshape the F1 landscape.
