Formula 1

Magnanimous Max congratulates title rivals after ‘Duel in the Desert’

Fraser Masefield
1 month ago
3 min read

Little over halfway through the 2025 FIA Formula One Season, defending four-time champion Max Verstappen was nowhere to be seen.

The Dutch maestro often labelled his previously imperious Red Bull car ‘undriveable’. Not even the great man could come to terms with the balance of his latest machine, regardless of set-up changes.

Then something happened to ignite a championship that McLaren were quite literally driving off into the distance with. In a sport where they often say the machine makes most of the difference over the driver, Verstappen begged to differ.

He dragged performances out of the RB21 that astounded many and turned the title race around. Indeed, from the Italian Grand Prix onwards, Verstappen was the dominant force, winning six of the final nine races.

It meant that a fifth successive and Michael Schumacher equalling feat was within his grasp come Abu Dhabi against all the odds. And he did exactly what he needed to do, winning yet again and hoping circumstances played into his hands.

Had Lando Norris finished one place lower than his eventual podium, he would have been champion by a solitary point.

“We’ve had a rollercoaster of a year. There have been times after a race where you don’t know why it’s been bad, this bad or inconsistent,” Verstappen told Sky Sports afterwards.

“It’s not easy but the team has showed that they never give up.”

Despite missing out so narrowly, Verstappen was one of the first to offer his congratulations to the newly crowned champion.

“In general it has been a tough battle between him (Lando) and Oscar. At one point I got into the fight. But I think winning your first is always super emotional and very special.

“Everyone on the grid is always dreaming about that, that moment. So I hope he really enjoys it tonight with his family and, of course, his team.”

Race winner Max Verstappen with the winning drivers and constructors trophies after the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi on December 07, 2025 in Abu Dhabi (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) / Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool /

And few would bet against Verstappen from adding to his tally in the next few years, if the motivation is still there. And a new rivalry has certainly now been born.

Fraser Masefield

Fraser is a sports and motorsports editor with over 25 years experience. The former head editor of WilliamsF1, BMW Motorsport, Jaguar Racing and Virgin Media, he has also worked for Autosport, ESPNF1 and Eurosport amongst others.

View all posts

You may also like