Alright, so we’re heading into the final three races of what’s been an absolutely wild 2025 F1 season. And honestly? We’ve got ourselves a proper championship fight – or at least, that’s what the standings suggest.

After Brazil, here’s where we stand:

• Lando Norris: 390 points
• Oscar Piastri: 366 points (24 behind)
• Max Verstappen: 341 points (49 behind)

Three races left: Las Vegas, Qatar (with a Sprint Race), and Abu Dhabi. 86 points still up for grabs.

Now, let me tell you what’s actually going to happen…

The Obvious Answer: Lando’s Got This

Look, I don’t want to be boring here, but let’s call it what it is – Lando Norris is going to be World Champion. And honestly, after Brazil, it’s not even close anymore.

That weekend in Brazilian Grand Prix? Absolute masterclass by the young Brit. Sprint win. Grand Prix win. Lights to flag, no drama, no mistakes. While everyone else was scrambling around, Lando just… drove away. That’s what champions do when it matters.

Here’s the thing people aren’t talking about enough – he’s got a 24-point cushion over his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. Do you know what that means? He can finish third in every remaining race and still win the championship if Piastri wins them all. THIRD. That’s ridiculous.

Why Lando’s basically already won:

The math is stupid in his favor. Even if Oscar somehow finds god-mode and wins everything, Lando just needs to cruise into P2 or P3. He doesn’t need to be a race victory anymore – just smart.

And that McLaren? Still the fastest car out there. Yeah, Red Bull’s closed the gap a bit, but McLaren’s been quick everywhere – high-speed tracks, low-speed tracks, street circuits. They’ve got the package.

But here’s what I really love about Lando’s season – remember that DNF at Zandvoort? Also another victimize at US GP Sprint? Everyone thought it was disaster. Turned out to be the best thing that happened to him. It took the pressure off, let Piastri feel the championship weight for a while, and Lando just… came back stronger. That Brazil performance? That was a driver who knows he’s got this.

What needs to happen for Lando to lose?

A mechanical DNF in two of the three races. That’s basically it. Or he’d need to bin it in qualifying twice and have terrible races while Oscar wins everything. It’s not happening.

My prediction? He wraps it up in Qatar. Maybe even in the Sprint weekend if things go well in Vegas. We’re not making it to Abu Dhabi with this championship still alive.

The “But What If…” Scenario: Oscar Piastri

Okay, so technically Oscar’s still in this. 24 points back, three races to go. Mathematically possible, sure. But let’s be real for a second.

Oscar’s had a brilliant season – seven wins, same as Lando. Led the championship through summer. Made Mark Webber proud by being the first Aussie to lead the standings since, well, Mark himself back in 2010. The kid’s got serious talent.

But… something’s changed lately.

Did you see Brazil? Fifth place while his teammate won. And that 10-second penalty for the crash with Antonelli? That’s not the Oscar we saw in the middle of the season. That looked like a driver feeling the pressure, getting desperate, making mistakes.

Same thing in Austin – that Sprint collision with Lando. These aren’t the drives of someone who’s comfortable in a championship fight.

Could Oscar still win?

Technically? Yes. He needs to win at least two of the remaining races, hope Lando has a shocker somewhere, and basically pray for luck. But honestly, I don’t see it.

The confidence seems shaken. When you’re throwing it down the inside with 10-second penalties as the result, you’re not driving like a champion – you’re driving like someone who knows they’re running out of time.

If I’m being generous, I’d give Oscar maybe a 10-15% chance. And that’s only if Lando has mechanical issues or makes massive mistakes – which he just hasn’t been doing.

The Dream That Won’t Die: Max Verstappen

Max is 49 points back. Let me repeat that – 49 points with three races left.

Can we just acknowledge how insane it is that we’re even discussing Max as a possibility? The guy’s been on an absolute tear lately – dominated Austin and Mexico, drove from 14th to 3rd in Brazil. He’s reminding everyone why he’s a three-time world champion.

But here’s the brutal truth: it’s over for Max.

Even if – and this is a big if – he wins every single remaining race AND the Qatar Sprint, he still needs Lando to have multiple disasters. We’re talking P8 finishes or worse. Multiple times. While Oscar also can’t capitalize.

Do the math: Max winning everything gets him 36 more points. That brings him to 377. Lando’s on 390. Even with Max perfect, Lando just needs a couple of fourth-place finishes and it’s done.

Why is Max still fighting?

Pride. Championship DNA. And honestly, second place in the championship is still on the line against Oscar. Max doesn’t do “giving up” – it’s not in his vocabulary.

Plus, let’s be honest – watching Max pile pressure on the McLaren duo is spicy. If they start tripping over each other, if team orders get messy, if there’s drama… Max will be right there to pick up the pieces.

But winning the championship? Unless both McLarens get food poisoning or something equally ridiculous, it’s not happening. I’d give him a 1-2% chance, and that’s being extremely generous.

What’s Coming Up

Las Vegas – High-speed street circuit under the lights. McLaren wasn’t great here in 2024, but they’re a different beast this year. Still, this might be Max’s best shot at a win.

Qatar – Sprint weekend, so extra points flying around. High-speed track that should suit McLaren perfectly. This is probably where Lando clinches it.

Abu Dhabi – If we somehow make it here with the championship alive, strap in because it’ll be legendary. But honestly? I think we’ll be watching Lando’s coronation party by then.

My Actual Predictions

Let me be straight with you:

Lando Norris wins the championship – 85% chance, and I’m probably being conservative. He’s in total control, has the pace, has the points, and has the momentum. It’s happening.

Oscar Piastri finishes second – Maybe 10-12% chance he somehow pulls off a miracle and wins it. More likely he finishes as runner-up, which for a second full season? Pretty damn impressive.

Max Verstappen gets third – Let’s be real, he’s racing for the moral victory now. Best he can hope for is second in the standings if Oscar implodes. Championship? 1-2% max, and that’s only if we see biblical-level chaos.

The Bottom Line

Look, I know we’re supposed to keep the drama alive and pretend this is anyone’s championship. But come on. After Brazil, after watching Lando put together that kind of dominant performance when it mattered most…

Lando Norris is your 2025 Formula 1 World Champion.

The only question is whether he seals it in the Vegas lights, under the floodlights in Qatar, or during the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

My money? Qatar Sprint weekend. He’ll probably finish second in Vegas, do enough in the Sprint to extend the lead beyond catchable, and then cruise home in the Qatar GP with the championship in the bag.

Will it be one of the greatest championship battles ever? Honestly, probably not. It’s been a great season, but these final races look like a procession unless something wild happens.

But will Lando deserve it? Absolutely. Seven wins, incredible consistency, and when the pressure cranked up to maximum in Brazil, he delivered perfection.

Sometimes the obvious answer is the right answer.

Lando Norris. 2025 World Champion. Get used to saying it.

And honestly? After years of “nearly but not quite,” watching Lando finally get his moment is going to be pretty special. He’s earned this.

The kid from Bristol who we all said was fast but couldn’t close. The guy who had all the speed but not quite the ruthlessness. The driver who made us laugh on Twitch streams and then wonder if he was serious enough for F1.

He’s about to prove everyone wrong.

Three races. One destiny. Let’s watch it unfold.

In a surprising move, Red Bull Racing has officially ended its long-standing relationship with Team Principal Christian Horner. After leading the team for 20 years, Horner’s departure signals a major shift at the top of one of Formula 1’s most dominant outfits.

This leadership change arrives at a particularly sensitive time, with Max Verstappen’s contract reportedly containing an exit clause. Any instability within the team’s management could have far-reaching consequences for the reigning World Champion’s future with the team.

The decision to part ways with Horner was not accompanied by a detailed explanation. Red Bull’s official statement simply noted that Horner will “forever remain an important part of our team history.”

His departure is the latest in a series of high-profile changes at Red Bull, which have been unfolding since the passing of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz. The team has already seen the exit of a chief car designer and a sporting director within the last 18 months, suggesting a deep internal restructuring.

Red Bull expressed gratitude in its announcement, highlighting Horner’s contributions: “his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking.”

While Horner’s tenure brought Red Bull considerable success—multiple Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships—it concluded amid speculation and uncertainty. At the recent British Grand Prix, Horner faced persistent questions regarding Verstappen’s plans for the 2026 season, especially as the Dutch driver has yet to confirm his commitment.

As of now, the implications of Horner’s departure on Verstappen’s future with the team remain unclear.

Allegations Against Horner

Horner’s exit also follows a turbulent year marked by serious accusations. He had been the subject of internal investigations after being accused of “inappropriate behavior” by a female colleague.

Despite being cleared twice through internal reviews, the allegations cast a shadow over his final year with the team.

The father of the woman at the center of the controversy shared his reaction to the news agencies: “I’ve read the news and the right thing has happened. It’s been all over the news and people know what took place.”

He also confirmed that his daughter no longer works at Red Bull, though he declined to provide specifics about her current status or involvement in the F1 world.

He added: “You’ll have to find out for yourself, I don’t want to go into details but she’s not involved with them (Red Bull).”

Horner’s departure closes a remarkable chapter in Red Bull’s F1 journey—one filled with victories, innovation, and now, a moment of reckoning.

In a major shake-up at the top of Formula 1, Red Bull Racing have parted ways with their long-serving team principal, Christian Horner, bringing an end to a 20-year era that helped define the sport’s modern era.

Horner, 51, has been with Red Bull since the team’s debut in 2005, steering them to incredible success on the track. Under his leadership, Red Bull racked up an impressive eight constructors’ championships and eight drivers’ titles — four of which were secured consecutively by current champ Max Verstappen.

Red Bull is undergoing a significant leadership change, with Laurent Mekies stepping in to replace Christian Horner as CEO.

The decision to move on comes amid a dip in the team’s recent form and internal tensions behind the scenes. It also follows the fallout from serious allegations made 17 months ago involving claims of sexual harassment and controlling behavior from a female team member.

During Horner’s reign, Red Bull became a powerhouse in Formula 1, with Sebastian Vettel won title from 2010 to 2013 — a golden era that firmly cemented the team’s place in the sport’s elite.

“Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing,” said a Red Bull spokesperson.

“Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s chief executive of corporate projects and investments thanked Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.”

“With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.

“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”

As part of this transition, Alan Permane, currently serving as Racing Director for Racing Bulls, will move up to become Team Principal of the sister team.

“The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO],” commented Mekies.

“It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people. The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning.

“Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes.”

Permane expressed his enthusiasm for the new role: “I feel very honoured to take on the role as Team Principal and would like to thank Oliver and Helmut [Marko, Red Bull advisor] for the trust they have shown in me.

“I am looking forward to working with Peter to continue the good work that both him and Laurent have done in taking this team forward.

“This is a new challenge for me, but I know that I can count on the support of everyone within them.”

More to follow.