Glock Thanks Verstappen for Extending 2025 Title Fight Against McLaren

Max Verstappen's remarkable late-season charge fell just two points short of a fifth consecutive title, but former F1 driver Timo Glock has thanked the Red Bull star for single-handedly keeping the championship battle alive against McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri until the final race in Abu Dhabi.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's comeback from a 104-point deficit after the summer break transformed a seemingly decided championship into a thrilling three-way fight, showcasing his relentless competitive drive. His performance ensured the title was not decided early, preserving suspense and highlighting the fine margins at the pinnacle of motorsport, even when one driver is statistically superior.

The details:

• After the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen was a staggering 104 points behind the championship lead, making a successful title defense appear impossible.
• A crucial floor upgrade from Monza onward revitalized the Red Bull RB21, triggering a dominant run where Verstappen won seven of the final nine Grands Prix.
• Despite this surge, he ultimately finished two points behind Norris, who secured his first Drivers' Championship in Abu Dhabi.
• Glock labeled Norris a "worthy champion," stating that being on top at the end of the season means a driver has "done a lot of things right throughout the year."
• The former driver praised Norris for his openness about his own weaknesses, noting it's "nice to see that drivers today are not just made of steel."

Between the lines:

Glock's comments underscore a nuanced view of the grid's hierarchy. While he unequivocally calls Verstappen "the best driver of all time at the moment," he acknowledges that Norris, with the right car and opportunity, is a legitimate championship contender. However, Glock also implies that beating Verstappen head-to-head over a season remains the ultimate challenge, stating "fighting against Max will always be difficult." The 2025 season ultimately proved that even Verstappen's brilliance can be overcome by a strong team package and consistent rival performance.

What's next:

Norris enters the 2026 season as the defending champion, with the target firmly on his back. The focus shifts to whether McLaren can maintain its championship-winning form and if Red Bull, with Verstappen still at the helm, can mount an immediate counter-attack to reclaim the crown. The hinted major changes at Red Bull following the end of Verstappen's title reign add another layer of intrigue to the upcoming development battle.