What happens when the champion wins in Abu Dhabi?
7th December 2025The FIA has confirmed the post-race procedure, which determines what will happen when the world champion claims title victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Feature image credit: Getty Images // Red Bull Content Pool
Following the Qatar Grand Prix, where the possibility of a champion being crowned was a distinct possibility, the Abu Dhabi GP will make it a certainty, with the season finale marking the end of the 24-race calendar.
As it currently stands, McLaren’s Lando Norris heads the championship with 12 points ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who is 16 points behind.
Norris only needs to finish on the podium to secure the world championship over both Verstappen and Piastri, but other permutations could affect the remaining championship hopefuls.
Ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the FIA has now confirmed what will happen when the champion is crowned after the 58-lap race.
The Governing body has confirmed, in their post-race procedure, that the top three drivers, and the world champion (if outside the top three), will drop to the back of the pack and will proceed to the grid.
In their statement, they said:
“After taking the chequered flag the top three (3) drivers and the World Champion (if outside of top three) should stay on track, drop to the back of the field and then proceed directly to the Grid where there will be the opportunity for post-championship celebrations should they wish to do so.
“Following these celebrations, they should proceed towards the start light gantry where they will find the 1, 2, 3 and World Champion (if outside the top three) boards.
“The remaining drivers finishing in the top three (3) are requested to yield so the World Champion may proceed first to the grid.”
As usual, the FIA has also confirmed there will be an area for ‘celebratory doughnuts’ ahead of the control line, before the podium.
Read more Formula 1 here:
- How can Norris, Verstappen or Piastri win the title in Abu Dhabi?
- Max Verstappen snatches pole for title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
- George Russell takes fastest time in final Abu Dhabi GP practice
- Lando Norris fastest after opening day with quickest FP2 time in Abu Dhabi GP
- F1 drivers slam Kimi Antonelli abuse ahead of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
- Toyota Gazoo Racing to become title sponsor of Haas
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Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.
I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.
Kamron Kent
Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.
