It’s the Season 1 Finale of Reading the Grid — and we’re closing out the 2025 Formula 1 season the only way that feels right: with our Definitive Racing Superlatives (DRS) Awards. 🏆

From the best and worst races of the year to Driver of the Year, Most Improved, Rookie of the Year, and the moments that stole — or shattered — our hearts, we break down everything that defined one of the most chaotic and emotionally charged F1 seasons in recent memory.

We revisit unforgettable highs like Nico Hülkenberg’s long-awaited podium, Ferrari’s historic double disqualification, McLaren’s controversial team orders, and Max Verstappen’s improbable championship comeback — alongside baffling strategy calls, off-track drama, and the mysteries that still don’t make sense.

Plus, we spill the grid on the FIA Awards, Red Bull’s leadership shakeup, Ferrari’s struggles, and what it all means heading into the massive 2026 regulation changes.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a Drive to Survive convert, this episode is your ultimate 2025 F1 season recap — and the perfect sendoff to Season 1.

🎧 Buckle in. Let’s relive the moments that defined Formula 1 in 2025.

The 2025 Formula 1 season comes down to the wire in Abu Dhabi — and Lando Norris emerges as a first-time World Champion by the narrowest margin in F1 history.

In this season finale episode of Reading the Grid, Erin and Inna break down everything from the tense title fight, Oscar Piastri’s bold opening-lap move, and Max Verstappen’s race win, to Charles Leclerc’s stunning late-season form that forced McLaren into defensive strategy calls.

We discuss:

• Lando Norris winning the F1 World Championship by just two points
• The closest title fight (by percentage) in F1 history
• Ferrari’s late surge and Charles Leclerc “driving like a man possessed”
• Lewis Hamilton’s charge through the field in his final Ferrari race
• Who won — and broke — our hearts in Abu Dhabi
• The final Words of Wisdom, unforgettable team radio, and off-track drama
• What this finale signals heading into new regulations in 2026

A tense, emotional, and historic night in Formula 1 — and the perfect way to close the season.

Lights, desert, meltdown. The 2025 Qatar Grand Prix gave us everything except a straightforward weekend. In this episode of Reading the Grid, Erin & Inna break down the strategy chaos, standout drives, heartbreak moments, and the championship picture heading into an Abu Dhabi finale not seen since 2021.

We unpack McLaren’s shocking strategy choices, Max Verstappen’s tactical masterclass, Oscar Piastri’s lost win, and Carlos Sainz’s brilliant Williams podium. We also dive into Haas’ disastrous pit stop for Ollie Bearman, Ferrari’s nightmare weekend, Racing Bulls’ ups and downs, and the rise of Kimi Antonelli—whose on-track moment with Lando Norris spiraled into disturbing online abuse.

Plus: our favorite quotes of the weekend, who won our hearts, who broke them, and bold predictions for the Abu Dhabi title decider.

If you love race debriefs, team drama, strategy breakdowns, and spicy F1 commentary — this episode is for you.