Verstappen Takes Pride Despite Narrow Miss in Title Race
Max Verstappen expressed immense pride despite narrowly missing the championship title in 2025. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw him crowned winner, yet he fell just two points short of securing the overall title.
Championship Journey
Initially, Verstappen faced a daunting 104-point deficit after the Dutch Grand Prix in August. However, a remarkable comeback propelled him back into title contention. In the latter half of the season, he secured victories in five out of eight races, showcasing his skill and resilience.
Final Race Analysis
Going into the Abu Dhabi finale, Verstappen was just 12 points behind Lando Norris. He managed to take pole position and win the race with a commanding performance. However, Norris clinched third place, allowing him to maintain a slim lead in the championship race.
Verstappen’s Reflection
After the race, Verstappen acknowledged the emotions surrounding the close call. He stated, “I feel good. We needed a bit of luck to win.” He noted that the team optimized their performance during the weekend, emphasizing their success in securing pole position and winning the race.
- Championship gap after the Dutch Grand Prix: 104 points
- Victories secured in the latter half of the season: 5 out of 8
- Final points deficit: 2 points behind Norris
Pride in Team Performance
Verstappen highlighted the team’s efforts in overcoming challenges. He commended the perseverance of his team, stating, “I’m very proud of the whole team. We could have given up, but that’s not how we function.” Their commitment to constant improvement was pivotal in the season’s turnaround.
The driver concluded on a hopeful note, indicating the future holds potential uncertainties but also opportunities. “Next year is going to be a big question mark for everyone anyway,” he remarked. Verstappen’s journey this season reflects not only his racing talent but also the strength and unity of the Red Bull team.
