Max Verstappen narrowly missed out on his fifth Formula 1 world title. According to a former F1 driver, it was a “miracle” that the Dutchman even had the chance until the end.
In August, after the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Verstappen was a full 104 points behind first place in Formula 1. In the end, only two points separated the Red Bull superstar from the new world champion Lando Norris (McLaren).
“The excitement before Abu Dhabi was incredible. I have to say that for me Max Verstappen was the outstanding driver of all of them this year,” ex-driver Romain Grosjean looked back on the exciting season in an interview with Formula 1. 2025 initially got off to an extremely disappointing start for Verstappen.
“He didn’t have a good car, lost a lot of points and then came back. It was a miracle that he was still in the fight in Abu Dhabi. Actually, he shouldn’t have been there under any circumstances, and finishing only two points behind Lando Norris was outstanding,” the Frenchman enthused about Verstappen’s performance. It was “definitely one of his best seasons,” Grosjean added in praise.
Grosjean: Norris “a worthy world champion”
At the same time, Norris is “a worthy world champion,” said the 39-year-old.
With Oscar Piastri, a third driver was involved in the race for the Formula 1 crown. After temporarily leading the championship, the Australian ended the season 13 points behind his McLaren teammate. Grosjean believes that the 24-year-old can become a world champion in the future.
In 2026 the cards in Formula 1 will be reshuffled and the new technical regulations will then take effect in the premier class of motorsport. The new season starts on March 6th with the Australian Grand Prix. Abu Dhabi will conclude again at the beginning of December.