From the controversial Red Bull seat swaps to a race to the finish between McLaren drivers and returning champion Max Verstappen, this Formula 1 (F1) season has been named the token “silly season.”

To say the least, it has been an interesting season for the Red Bull and sister team VCARB drivers. From early seat swaps to unexpected driver lineups for the 2026 season, it has been chaotic. As expected, just last week it was announced that VCARB driver Isack Hadjar would fill Red Bull seat two, alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen. As all driver lineups have been confirmed, this leaves current Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda seatless. Yuki will return to the team as a reserve driver, with possible contract negotiations in the future.

Abu Dhabi marked the end of the F1 season, an anticipated matchup of McLaren drivers Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen. Up until Abu Dhabi, Lando Norris led the drivers’ championship, but with close points in the overall championship, it all came down to this very last race. Race outcomes circulated, and it was determined Lando would need to get below third place for either Oscar or Max to claim the title.

With Max on pole, it was hard to deny we wouldn’t see a Verstappen pole-to-win conversion. He dominated the race, keeping Piastri close behind, and Norris a close third. With Norris making the podium, he claimed the title of 2025 season champion by just three points.

It has been a tough season for the Ferrari Tifosi, with an underperforming Lewis Hamilton and underscoring Charles Leclerc. Leclerc came close behind Norris, taking fourth for the last race of the season and fifth in the drivers’ championship. Hamilton finished the season in sixth, concluding his first season with Ferrari.

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli made a strong impression in his debut season, finishing just six points behind the veteran in the championship standings.

What does this mean for the future of Formula 1? Could we see the return of the Red Bull reign or has McLaren made themselves future championship contenders?