Lando Norris won the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship in Abu Dhabi, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen in a season-long battle.

After securing the title, Norris criticised media comparisons between drivers, saying he dislikes evaluating himself against others and prefers focusing on his own performance. He added that journalists frequently decide who is better or who has the stronger car, and he addressed this frustration directly.

Norris acknowledged both his own mistakes and Verstappen’s strengths, noting Red Bull’s strong second half of the season and Verstappen’s performance as a four-time world champion.

He clarified beating Verstappen does not increase the satisfaction of winning the championship, emphasising that making his family and close circle happy matters more to him. Norris added he has no interest in debates about comparative driver levels.

Reports indicate Helmut Marko is likely to leave Red Bull Racing after years with the team, though GPblog understands the final decision has not yet been formally confirmed.

Discussions have already taken place this Monday in Abu Dhabi between Marko and Oliver Mintzlaff, managing director at Red Bull GmbH, about the 82-year-old stepping back.

Following Christian Horner’s earlier departure, Red Bull GmbH reportedly aims to reset leadership structures and increase control over the Formula 1 operations. Marko, who helped bring Max Verstappen into Formula 1, hinted after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that he is still considering whether to continue as advisor to both Red Bull teams, despite having a contract through 2026.

However, decisions from Red Bull headquarters appear to be guiding the outcome, with more clarity expected to come in the coming days.

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