Max Verstappen vs Lando Norris vs Oscar Piastri? Charles Leclerc gives his opinion on F1 championship decider

Charles Leclerc has made his pick for the 2025 F1 drivers' championship as Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri carry their three-way title battle into the season finale. Norris leads the championship by 12 points over Verstappen, who, in turn, has a four-point lead over Piastri.

What should've been a straightforward victory for a McLaren driver this year turned into an intense battle after reigning champion Max Verstappen made a sensational comeback in the second half of the season. Since the summer break, the Red Bull driver has finished on the podium in all nine races, including five wins.

Lando Norris had a similar arc, finding consistency, while his teammate Oscar Piastri's performance tanked. The Aussie lost the championship lead to his British teammate and now sits third behind Verstappen.

Charles Leclerc, who is having an underwhelming season with Ferrari, was asked during the Thursday pre-race weekend press conference about his thoughts on the championship decider this weekend in Abu Dhabi.

"I don’t know," Leclerc replied (via F1). "I’ve changed my mind so many times this year. I thought it was Oscar, then Max. I probably think it’s going to be Lando. 12 points is still significant."

The Monegasque had George Russell and Isack Hadjar alongside him during the FIA press conference. Both those drivers felt the same, saying that Norris would win the championship. The McLaren driver can take his first F1 title home this weekend if he simply finishes on the podium, irrespective of his title rivals' positions.

Max Verstappen enters Abu Dhabi GP with "nothing to lose" attitude

Max Verstappen at the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Previews - Source: Getty

Max Verstappen heads into the season finale in Abu Dhabi with the most momentum of the three title contenders. Moreover, he already has four F1 championships to his name, while his new rivals are chasing their first.

This has allowed him to go into the championship decider with no pressure on his mind. When asked about his mindset during the Thursday FIA press conference, the Red Bull driver said:

"I'm very relaxed, nothing to lose. I'm enjoying being here - I've enjoyed working with the team in the second half of the season."

To win his fifth consecutive F1 drivers' championship, Max Verstappen needs to secure 13 points more than Lando Norris in Abu Dhabi. This can be achieved if he wins the race and his McLaren rival finishes in P4 or worse.

For Oscar Piastri, who was once comfortable leading the championship, winning the title now seems far-fetched. Overcoming a 16-point deficit in one race is an uphill challenge, which would require his rivals to have DNFs or poor, low-scoring results.