Abu Dhabi GP: who will become world champion between Norris and Verstappen?

Formula 1 is completely crazy. In 2021, Max Verstappen became world champion by overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the last Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi.

Four years later, the Dutchman wants to repeat the feat, even though no one expected to see him in this position anymore, at a time not so long ago when the McLarens were dominating the championship before the Italian round at Monza last September.

Naturally, Golden Vegas Sport is fascinated by this thrilling, suspense-filled finale. We present everything you need to know to place your bets in the best possible way on the last and most important round of the season.

But what is McLaren doing?

As a first small tip, we suggest betting live, as there will be plenty of twists and turns. Just like this crazy 2024–2025 season in which the British team was flawless before beating itself up in a rather incredible way.

You have been able to follow all these twists and turns on our blog. After the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort on 31 August, Max Verstappen and his Red Bull were 104 points behind Oscar Piastri and 70 behind Lando Norris, the two McLaren drivers.

After being disqualified in Las Vegas fifteen days ago, the two men were sabotaged once again by their own team in Qatar. The team bosses kept both cars out on track while everyone else was rushing into the pits when the safety car came out, in order to comply with the first stop imposed by Pirelli, requiring tyres to be changed every 25 laps at most.

"We made the wrong decision. I am really sorry for Oscar, who had delivered a perfect weekend up to that point. We let him down," apologised Zak Brown, the CEO. Although he is still the favourite on our online site or in our physical venues to win his first world title, Norris now has only a 12-point lead and 16 over his teammate, who can still be crowned. So, who will become the 2025 world champion?

*Odds are subject to change. End of the event: 7 December at 2 p.m.

Win to keep believing

For that belief to remain, all three drivers will in any case have to win. "This race in Qatar shows that many things can happen during a Grand Prix, so I am relying on that a bit," reacted the Dutchman, whose last disappointing result dates back to Brazil.

The problem for him is that he does not have the best car on the grid. But the McLarens are literally melting down to such an extent that Andrea Stella, the team principal, has issued some strong words. It is up to the team to raise its game so that the drivers can capitalise on their performances.

By playing responsibly, make your choice, but Verstappen is listed as the favourite (2.40), followed by Norris (3.25) and then Piastri (4.50). One thing is certain: be in front of your TV on Sunday at 2 p.m. so you don’t miss a fantastic finale.

For the last round of the year and the end of the championship, enjoy a 25% BetXtra on every bet placed on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.