RACING LINES
Damien Smith
Verstappen came oh so close, but it was Norris who tasted ultimate glory
Max Verstappen was the standout Formula 1 driver of 2025 for me. That’s not to denigrate new world champion Lando Norris in any way. In fact, I would argue the opposite is the case. That Norris prevailed in the tense Abu Dhabi finale does him huge credit because, as he will know only too well while reflecting on his hallowed new status, he did so in the face of an astonishing fightback from one of the true greats of motor racing.
Since the Italian Grand Prix in September, Verstappen was imperious, winning six of the season’s final nine races, which included a hat-trick in three weeks, as the Dutchman conquered Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Although it must be said that his unlikely title bid was aided by a serious McLaren wobble. The constructors’ champions contrived to lose both Norris and Oscar Piastri vital points with a double disqualification for overly worn skid blocks in Vegas, then a fumbled pit stop strategy in Qatar to present Verstappen with an open goal. Without those “gifts”, as he put it, even Verstappen wouldn’t have been in with a shout, having dropped more than 100 points off the lead during Red Bull’s difficult summer.