Max Verstappen’s message to Norris shows true colours after losing F1 title: ‘I got into the fight too’

Max Verstappen is known for his ultra-competitive nature, but after narrowly missing out on a
fifth consecutive Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship title, the Dutchman was full of praise for new champion Lando Norris. McLaren’s Norris won the 2025 F1 title by coming third in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

This is Norris’ first F1 drivers’ title. He was the favourite to win the championship in the 2025 season, and took a big lead before the end of the season. But a few errors from the team towards the end brought Verstappen back into contention.

Going into the final race of the season, Norris, Verstappen and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri were all alive in the title race. Norris, however, clinched the title
after coming third despite Verstappen winning the race from pole position.

Verstappen congratulates Norris

After Norris broke his winning streak, Verstappen congratulated the British driver, adding that he needs to savour the moment.

“He has had a very good season and I think, in general, it has been a tough battle between himself and Oscar. At one point I got into the fight too,” Verstappen said.

“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.”

Reflecting on his own journey, Verstappen was disappointed at losing the title but took solace in the way Red Bull fought back towards the end after a poor start.

“We’ve had a rollercoaster of a year, especially in the beginning, but somehow we have turned it around and the results that we have achieved after, honestly, having tough times after a race where you just don’t know why it’s bad or inconsistent… it’s not easy,” Verstappen said.

“But I think 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 and I think we really did.

“It’s been fun. Honestly, the fightback has been really fun. In the end, it doesn’t matter if you finish behind by one point, 10 points or 20 points – you are behind. It’s two points now, but it’s been cool. I really enjoyed it.

“The team is really united and it’s something I really enjoy. Of course, at times I didn’t really feel great, in the situation, but I think we always life each other up again when we needed to and that’s something I think we can be very proud of.”