A New Era: Shane Murphey Claims the F1 Esports Series Tier One World Championship

The 2025 F1 Esports Series Tier One World Championship reached its stunning conclusion at the Yas Marina Circuit, marking the most competitive finale in the history of the series. For the first time, two drivers entered the final round of this elite world championship dead-locked on points. With special graphics and a global broadcast focused entirely on the title fight, the stage was set for a battle 

The Opening Gambit

As the lights went out for the final time this season, Matthew Fisher (Mercedes) proved why he has been the dominant force in the F1 Esports Series for nearly a decade. Launching from P2, Fisher immediately seized the lead from polesitter Lucas Thomas (McLaren). It was a tactical blow to the McLaren camp, as Thomas had been expected to play a defensive role to support his teammate, Shane Murphey. While Fisher led, Murphey initially slipped back, losing a position in a high-intensity opening lap.

Tactical Warfare in the Series Finale

Fisher spent the first half of the race at a blistering pace, attempting to pull a gap large enough to secure what would have been an incredible 10th consecutive world title. However, the Tier One field is relentless. During the pit window, Lucas Thomas reeled the leader back in. In a display of tactical discipline, Thomas slowed the pace by six seconds per lap to back Fisher into the path of the oncoming Murphey.

A defiant Fisher radioed his team: "I know what he's doing. He might have the car, but we have the driver to go with it. Let’s do this!" The strategy proved effective; Fisher lost seven seconds of his lead in just five laps. Amidst the tension, Thomas’s engine expired in a cloud of smoke at the pit exit. Despite Fisher's concerns over a Safety Car, the race remained green, leaving the two title rivals to settle the championship on track.

The Battle for the World Title

Following the final round of stops, the field settled with Bono Huis leading, but all eyes were on the P3/P4 battle. What followed was arguably the greatest ten laps in the history of the series, with Fisher and Murphey trading the lead a staggering 21 times.

Fisher used every ounce of experience to defend, but the raw pace of the McLaren was undeniable. On the final lap of the world championship, Fisher held the advantage entering the final sector. However, Murphey utilized the DRS and superior low-speed grip to launch a final attack. The two cars were inseparable through the final two corners, crossing the line in a synchronized blur.

The 0.006 Second Verdict

The timing screens confirmed the result: Shane Murphey ahead by 0.006 seconds.

The 9-year reign of Matthew Fisher was over. While both drivers finished the season tied on 626 points, Shane Murphey is the 2025 F1 Esports Series Tier One World Champion by virtue of a countback, holding 11 wins to Fisher's 10.

The Guard of Honor

In a moving tribute to Fisher's 9-year dominance in the series, nine drivers formed a formation behind his Mercedes on the in-lap, acknowledging his historic contributions to the sport. Following celebratory doughnuts under the floodlights, an emotional Murphey thanked Fisher for the fight of a lifetime, while Fisher graciously admitted the McLaren package was "something different" this year.