The 2025 Formula 1 championship will be decided at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri enter the final weekend separated by narrow margins. Practice sessions have begun as teams prepare for the title decider.
Yuki Tsunoda has addressed Red Bull’s decision to move him into a test and reserve role for 2026. The change follows the team’s appointment of Isack Hadjar for next season and Arvid Lindblad’s promotion to Racing Bulls.
Oscar Piastri topped the only practice session in Qatar, while Red Bull failed to extract performance from the soft tyres. Max Verstappen placed sixth and Yuki Tsunoda fell to thirteenth after traffic and poor sector one execution.
Yuki Tsunoda heads into the Qatar Grand Prix with his future at Red Bull still uncertain, admitting he has “no plan B” and hinting that “most people probably know” where things stand. With Red Bull expected to finalise its 2026 line-up after the weekend, Qatar may be Tsunoda’s final chance to secure his seat.
Helmut Marko says Lando Norris was the major talent Red Bull failed to sign and explains why many young drivers fail to progress in the Red Bull system. Marko emphasises that “talent alone is not enough,” highlighting the mental demands and pressure that define Red Bull’s driver philosophy.
McLaren’s double disqualification in Las Vegas has reset the 2025 title fight. Norris’ lead has shrunk to 24 points, leaving Verstappen and Piastri back in contention with 58 points left. Verstappen can still win the championship, but Norris only needs consistent podiums to stay ahead.
Max Verstappen targets another emotional victory at Interlagos while Yuki Tsunoda enters the Sao Paulo Grand Prix with confidence in his race pace and a chance to strengthen his future with Red Bull. With rain expected and a sprint format in play, both drivers see opportunity in the chaos.
George Russell’s new Mercedes contract flips the F1 power dynamic. With a performance-based clause that lets him automatically extend into 2027, Russell has effectively taken control of his own future — even if Max Verstappen joins Mercedes.












