The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concluded with Max Verstappen claiming victory, yet the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship ultimately belonged to Lando Norris. A mere two points separated the rivals, marking the closest championship battle in over a decade.
Norris, driving for McLaren, secured third place in the race, a result that proved just enough to edge out Verstappen. The tension was palpable as Norris faced relentless pressure from Charles Leclerc, creating a critical window for Red Bull to intervene.
Red Bull deployed Yuki Tsunoda, instructing him to impede Norris’s progress and create a buffer for Leclerc. The tactic echoed a controversial moment from 2021, when Sergio Perez masterfully held up Lewis Hamilton, aiding Verstappen’s championship run.
However, Tsunoda’s attempt fell far short of Perez’s brilliance. Norris swiftly overtook the Red Bull, even after being forced off track, leaving Red Bull’s strategy in tatters.
The contrast between Tsunoda’s performance and Perez’s past heroics didn’t go unnoticed by fans. Many speculated that a different outcome might have unfolded had Perez remained with Red Bull, a sentiment amplified by a viral meme featuring Thanos lamenting his treatment of the Mexican driver.
Perez himself subtly acknowledged the sentiment, reposting the meme with a simple laughing emoji and the word “Perhaps.” He later extended his congratulations to Norris and McLaren, acknowledging their well-deserved triumph.
Perez’s departure from Red Bull followed a disappointing season, ultimately costing the team the constructors’ championship. A series of driver changes within Red Bull proved unsuccessful, culminating in Tsunoda’s impending exit from the team.
Verstappen, despite narrowly missing the championship, displayed grace in defeat. He praised Norris’s exceptional season, recognizing the emotional weight of a first world title and wishing him a celebratory evening with family and the team.
The points disparity highlighted the season’s narrative: Verstappen with a strong 421 points, while Tsunoda struggled, finishing 17th with only 33. This performance ultimately sealed Tsunoda’s fate, with rookie Isack Hadjar set to take his place in 2026.
Meanwhile, Perez is poised for a fresh start, joining the new Cadillac team for the 2026 season, seeking to recapture the form that once made him a championship contender.
