A title fight for Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi seemed almost impossible just a few months ago. In September he was 104 points behind the championship lead while McLaren controlled the season through Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Yet a dramatic shift in form after the summer break, combined with McLaren’s costly setbacks, has kept Verstappen in the hunt as the 2025 season reaches its finale.

The Dutch driver enters the weekend still relying on results elsewhere, since even a race victory would not guarantee him the championship. Lando Norris only needs a podium to secure the title. 

“I’m very relaxed, nothing to lose,” Verstappen said, as quoted by RacingNews365.com.

“I’m just enjoying being here. I’ve enjoyed the second half of the season, working with the team and how we managed to turn it around from difficult times. Going from being frustrated with the performances to smiling and winning again, it’s fantastic.”

If Verstappen wins the title on Sunday, it would not only complete one of the most unexpected comebacks but also elevate him into historic territory. He would become only the second driver in Formula 1 history to win five consecutive championships, joining Michael Schumacher, who achieved his streak with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004. It would also lift Verstappen to five world titles overall, placing him level with Juan Manuel Fangio, the dominant figure of the 1950s