Hamilton is F1's biggest disappointment this year

The F1 2025 season reaches a thrilling finale in Abu Dhabi, and our correspondent Kieran Jackson picks through the good, bad and ugly of an entertaining and dramatic year

- Kieran Jackson

The F1 drivers' championship comes down to the final race in Abu Dhabi this weekend, with Lando Norris primed for a maiden title and hoping to fend off Red Bull's four-time champion Max Verstappen and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.

While the drama has been at the front of the grid, the woeful year for Ferrari, and in particular Lewis Hamilton, has been a painful storyline for fans of the seven-time world champion and the Scuderia.

The reshuffle for the grid in 2026 is now set, too, with Isack Hadjar's rise at Red Bull and a debut campaign awaiting British teenager Arvid Lindblad.

While 2026 also signals the return of Adrian Newey as the new team principal at Aston Martin F1, taking over from Andy Cowell. Here's how everything went down in 2025 with Independent Sport's picks:

Best driver: Max Verstappen

The fact that he is still in contention heading into the final race speaks volumes. The Dutchman has the joint-most wins on the grid – seven, alongside Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri – in the third-quickest car on the grid. It is quite the feat that he is within 12 points of the lead heading into this weekend's season finale.

Japan, Imola and Austin were Verstappen's best wins, in a year where his pedigree has shot up skywards. Turns out, folks, it's not just about the car. A fifth consecutive championship would put him up among the greats of the sport.

Podium places: George Russell, Isack HadjarBest team: McLaren

Despite their recent issues, it shouldn't be forgotten how far clear McLaren have been for the majority of this season.