Max Verstappen claimed victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but it wasn’t enough to secure the 2025 World Championship. The Red Bull driver fell short by just two points, completing a historic comeback in the latter half of the season. Despite the narrow miss, Verstappen remains calm and focused, emphasizing the progress he and the team have made throughout the year.
Understanding the challenge
Everyone knew that overturning a championship that seemed all but decided would require more than just a race win. Max Verstappen needed a little luck as well. However, the Abu Dhabi race proved relatively straightforward, with no incidents or opportunities that could shift the championship in his favor. Lando Norris, finishing on the podium, had the points he needed to clinch the title comfortably.
The race dynamics
Ferrari and Mercedes never posed a sustained threat to Norris’ McLaren, aside from brief early laps when Charles Leclerc tried to apply pressure before succumbing to tire wear. Once Norris had passed the remaining drivers after his first stop, he was able to manage the race and secure third place, enough to claim the championship.
This third-place finish was the minimum result required for Norris to stay ahead in the standings, blocking Max Verstappen’s charge by just two points. For Max Verstappen, the result was both a remarkable achievement and a painful near-miss.
Verstappen reflects on the season
“I’m calm. I was prepared for this type of outcome. We needed a bit of luck to win, and from our side, we optimized the weekend as best we could. We secured pole, we dominated the race, there’s not much more to say about that. Losing a championship by two points is painful, but if you consider where we were after Zandvoort, over a hundred points behind… it’s not bad at all,” Verstappen said.
He emphasized the importance of valuing the team’s efforts: “The key is not to get disappointed about missing the title by two points, but to be proud of the comeback we nearly achieved. After Zandvoort, being so far behind, a return to contention seemed impossible.”
Verstappen also highlighted the team’s dedication and spirit: “I’m very proud of the team. They could have given up [after Zandvoort] given the gap, but the team doesn’t work that way. We focused on improving and understanding our weaknesses. It was fun, and even today’s race was enjoyable. We didn’t win the title, but that’s life.”
“There’s no need for disappointment. Life goes on. I’m just proud of the people I work with—it’s my second family. We’ll enjoy the moment, this second half of the season, and I’m proud of it. Next year is a question mark for everyone,” he added.
Looking at the bigger picture
Looking back at the season, it’s easy to point to lost points and missed opportunities among the top three title contenders. But crafting a perfect season is nearly impossible, and Verstappen prefers to focus on the historic comeback and progress made with Red Bull rather than dwelling on regrets.
“I’m happy, I have no regrets. We did everything we could this season. I never gave up, always tried to maximize my results, even in difficult moments and when the car was challenging to drive. This team put me in this position. Losing the championship by two points is tough, but that’s how it went,” Verstappen explained.
Barcellona and the lesson of 24 races
During the press conference, Max Verstappen was asked if losing points in Barcelona could be considered a regret. His response was direct: “You forget everything else that happened during my season. It’s not just Barcelona. I knew it would come up. In the end, it’s part of racing: you live and learn. A championship is won over 24 races. In the second half of the season, I even received some early Christmas presents, so you could discuss that too.”
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