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lando norris made its first claim f1 Drivers’ Championship in the final race In Abu Dhabi, the McLaren driver clinched the title by just over two points max verstappen,
The season finale at Yas Marina marked the first time in four years that the title race went down to a season-decider – and the first time in between More than two drivers since 2010Oscar Piastri also competed but ultimately finished third.
Although there was plenty of drama at the front of the grid, it was a sad year ferrari, Lewis HamiltonAnd fans of the seven-time world champion as his first year with the Scuderia something very wrong,
An F1 grid reshuffle in 2026 is now confirmed with the rise of Isak Hadjar at Red Bull and a The first expedition awaits British teenager Arvid Lindblad, Many teams are eyeing improvement in this New round of rules and regulations,
But before we focus on next year, here’s how everything went down in 2025 with The Independent’s F1 awards in 2025:
Best Driver: Max Verstappen
The fact that the indomitable 28-year-old was still leading in the final race, and ultimately finished Just two points behind championship winner NorrisSpeaks a lot.
The Dutchman surprisingly took the most wins on the grid – eight, one ahead of both Norris and Piastri – in the third fastest car on the grid. From a 104-point deficit with nine races remaining, it was a comeback that almost resulted in a miracle.
Japan, Imola and Austin were Verstappen’s best wins in a year where his pedigree has skyrocketed. Turns out, folks, it’s not just about the car. He is clearly the standout driver on the grid.
Podium positions: Lando Norris, George Russell
Best Team:McLaren
Despite his issues at the end of the season, especially his Double disqualification in Las VegasLet’s not forget how obvious it is mclaren They remained for most of the campaign.
The papaya-clad team clinched the Constructors’ Championship with six races remaining, ultimately finishing 364 points ahead of second-place Mercedes.
Where? ferrariHaving missed out on the previous year’s team title by only 14 points, they made no progress at all, with McLaren’s cars progressing rapidly, giving both of their drivers the machinery to challenge for the driver’s title for the first time. Much credit must be given to team principal Andrea Stella, chief designer Rob Marshall and CEO Jack Brown for assembling a fantastic team behind the scenes.
Podium positions: Williams, Sauber
Worst Team/Driver – Alpine/Franco Colapinto
By the end of the season Colapinto was the only driver on the grid to fail to score a point this year, amid a campaign where the playing field had narrowed and in which his Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly had scored all 22 of the team’s points.
What is even more shocking is that Argentina Retained his seat for 2026The unfortunate Jack Doohan was dropped after six races, despite showing no improvement.
Abandoning their power unit program next year and taking up Mercedes engines, Flavio Briatore has some work to do to revive the team that, 20 years ago, was on top as Renault and Fernando Alonso as world champions. Then, as is rumored, could Christian Horner come along and turn their fortunes around?
Podium positions: Aston Martin/Lance Stroll, Ferrari/Lewis Hamilton
Biggest Disappointment: Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari
no brainer. F1’s Biggest step ever The first year turned out to be much worse than anyone had predicted: the seven-time world champion was unable to even register a Grand Prix podium for the first time, let alone a title challenge or simply a race win. In his 19 year career,
Ferrari didn’t deliver with the car, that’s for sure. Yet Charles Leclerc’s seven podiums show how the Monegasque got the best possible results from a dire situation, in a way Hamilton could not.
It is also notable that Carlos Sainz, who was replaced by Hamilton at Ferrari, scored two top-three finishes at Williams. Kimi Antonelli, his replacement at Mercedes, recorded three podiums.
But should Hamilton end his contract and retire? Absolutely not. They these past few weeks have been painful No way to end a historic F1 career. With any luck, Ferrari will listen to Hamilton’s knowledge and experience rather than oust him. Britt and Leclerc – whose prime years are being wasted right now – deserve better in 2026. Whether they will get any improvement is another question entirely.
Podium places: Liam Lawson in Red Bull; Franco Colapinto in Alpine
Best Overtake: Max Verstappen, Imola
Present On-site forThe gasping people in the media center said everything.
Verstappen moved from third to first with a mesmerizing pass, spinning his car through the eye of the needle at Tamburello and surprising Piastri at the front. It was the race-winning overtake.
Podium places: Oscar Piastri on Lewis Hamilton, Australia; Liam Lawson, Lewis Hamilton on Austria
Best race: Australian Grand Prix
There are plenty of contenders here, with Silverstone unfortunately missing out, but rain in melbourne The season opening weekend made some big noises.
We had accidents on the formation lap, a change in the race lead and finally drama as home hero Piastri slid off the track. It was one of Norris’s best wins, setting him up for the season ahead.
Additionally, with approximately half a million fans in attendance, Albert Park regained its rightful place As the top-billing season-opening venue, that title belongs to Bahrain for 2026.
Podium positions: British Grand Prix, Brazilian Grand Prix
Worst Race: Monaco Grand Prix
Ridiculous stuff. Two-stop regulation implemented was designed to improve the generally dull princely pageantry. And good on the FIA for trying something different.
However, strategists were two steps ahead. Racing Bulls and Williams split their drivers, allowing one to catch the pack and the other to pit and maintain position. Simple, and back to the drawing board for the rule-makers.
Basically, nothing will change in Monaco until they change the track. Difficult, but not impossible despite what some people say.
Podium positions: Qatar Grand Prix, Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Best Newbie: Isaac Hadjar
When the Frenchman crashed on the formation lap in the season opener in Australia, not many would have guessed that he would be Max Verstappen’s team-mate in the post-season.
Yet 10 top 10 finishes during the season, including a memorable first podium at Zandvoort, mean Hadjar will capture F1’s poisoned chalice in 2026.
Whether he can execute where so many before him have failed is another question entirely.
Podium positions: Ollie Bearman, Kimi Antonelli
Bold prediction for 2026: George Russell will be world champion
Given this, there is not much to go on massive regulation changesBut all the talk is that Mercedes is at the forefront due to its focus on the engine.
That would put Russell, who enjoyed his best season yet, among the title contenders. At 27, entering his eighth F1 season, the King’s Lynn driver is fully ready to take on that workload.
12th British F1 champion? Don’t write it.
Podium positions: Fernando Alonso wins first race in 13 years; All 22 drivers will score at least one point
