Max Verstappen has delivered a classy and heartfelt message to his friend and rival Lando Norris, after the British driver clinched his maiden Formula 1 World Championship in a nail-biting season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
A Dramatic Title Decider in Abu Dhabi
Despite securing victory in the final race of the 2025 season on Sunday, 7th December, it was not enough for Verstappen to retain his crown. Norris's third-place finish at the Yas Marina Circuit was sufficient to seal the title, ending the Dutchman's four-year reign as champion. The result means Norris beat Verstappen to the championship by a mere two points after a season-long battle that also involved McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.
The championship had been tipped to go McLaren's way after the team romped to the constructors' title, but a late-season surge from Verstappen and Red Bull set up a dramatic three-way fight. Speaking immediately after the race, a gracious Verstappen was quick to praise the new champion.
Verstappen's Gracious Reaction to Defeat
"He has had a very good season," said Verstappen of Norris. "Winning your first is always super emotional, it's very special. I think everybody on the grid is always dreaming about that moment, so I hope he really enjoys it tonight with his family, and of course the team."
Verstappen's reaction was so composed that his Red Bull team principal, Laurent Mekies, seemed apprehensive when speaking to him over the radio, perhaps expecting disappointment. Verstappen reassured him, saying, "Don't worry, I'm happy! Happy with what we've achieved so far, so let's keep going."
Pride in Red Bull's Season Turnaround
The four-time champion expressed immense pride in how his team had fought back from a difficult start to the year to nearly secure another drivers' title. He highlighted the collective resilience within the Red Bull garage.
"We've had a rollercoaster of a year, especially in the beginning, but somehow we have turned it around," Verstappen explained. "The team has showed that they never give up. It's easy to say, 'This is it, 100 points plus, the season is done'. But we always kept trying to understand the issues."
He concluded by reflecting on the pleasure of the intense fight, despite the narrow defeat. "It's been fun. Honestly, the fightback has been really fun... it's been cool. I really enjoyed it. The team is really united and it's something I really enjoy," Verstappen stated, emphasising the positive spirit within his camp even in defeat.
With Norris now crowned Formula 1 World Champion, the stage is set for a fascinating 2026 season as Verstappen and Red Bull aim to reclaim the ultimate prize.
