Verstappen reflects on an enjoyable season and Norris' title win

The now former World Champion is happy to see Norris win the title after what was an incredibly tight battle. Despite Verstappen winning the race, Norris still managed to bring the 2025 World Drivers’ Championship home, with this being his first title win. Verstappen reflected on the season and Norris’ championship following the race.

Max Verstappen won the race but failed to pick up his fifth title | Credit: Formula One

Verstappen came back into the fight following a 104 point deficit just eight races ago. After something clicked with the RB21, he managed to close the gap to just 12 points before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Verstappen took the race win after starting on pole, but couldn’t clinch another title win due to Norris picking up enough points to outscore the Dutchman.

When speaking after the race, Verstappen reflected on how it felt to make his way back into the title picture.

"I think we've had a rollercoaster of a year, especially in the beginning,” Verstappen said.

"But I think how we have turned it around and the results we have achieved after having tough times after a race where you just don't know why it's this bad and this inconsistent is not easy.

"The team has really shown they never give up. It's easy to say 'this is it, it's 100 points+ and the season is done'.

"They always kept trying to understand the issues and it's been really fun, the fightback has been really fun.

"At the end it doesn't matter if you finish behind by one point, 10 points or 20 points. You're behind. 

"It's two points at the end, but it's been cool. I've been enjoying it."

Additionally, the former champion showed nothing but respect to Norris for winning his first title and even said: “I don’t see it like losing to be honest,”

He added: “[Norris] has had a very good season. In general it’s been a tough battle between himself and Oscar and at one point I got into the fight.

“Winning your first is always super emotional. It’s very special because everyone on the grid is always dreaming about that moment.

“I hope he really enjoys it tonight with his family, and of course, the team.”

With the 2025 season now officially in the books, Verstappen leaves Abu Dhabi proud of his resurgence, and happy to see his title rival reach the pinnacle of the sport.