Grosjean hails Verstappen's 2025 comeback as season's 'most outstanding' drive

Former F1 driver Romain Grosjean has declared Max Verstappen's dramatic 2025 title charge, which fell just two points short, as the most "outstanding" performance of the season, calling it "very inspiring for a lot of drivers." After a difficult first half that saw him effectively count himself out of contention, the four-time champion mounted a relentless comeback, finishing on the podium in every race after the summer break.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's resurgence from a seemingly hopeless mid-season position to a nail-biting championship finale redefines what's possible in a competitive season. It serves as a powerful lesson in resilience for the entire grid, proving that title hopes are never truly over until the final checkered flag, regardless of early-season struggles.

The details:

• Grosjean highlighted the "miracle" of Verstappen being in the title fight at the Abu Dhabi finale, stating "there was no way he should have been in there."
• The comeback was fueled by a flawless second half of the season where Verstappen won six races (Italy, Azerbaijan, USA, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi) and finished on the podium at every Grand Prix.
• Grosjean contrasted this season with Verstappen's dominant 2023 campaign, noting that while winning in a superior car is impressive, fighting back from adversity showcases a different, perhaps greater, level of driver performance.
• Verstappen himself described the year as a "massive roller coaster," expressing pride in how his team "never gave up" even during "really tough races and feelings."

The big picture:

This performance cements Verstappen's legacy beyond that of a driver who simply capitalizes on superior machinery. His ability to extract maximum performance, inspire his team, and execute under pressure when the car was not the class of the field demonstrates a champion's mentality that can elevate a team's results. For other drivers and teams, it sets a new benchmark for tenacity and continuous development throughout a grueling season.

What's next:

The near-miss in 2025 will undoubtedly fuel Red Bull and Verstappen's motivation for the 2026 season. The lesson of "never giving up" has been vividly demonstrated, and the team will aim to start the next campaign with the same ferocity they finished this one. For the sport, Verstappen's comeback adds another legendary chapter to F1's history of epic season-long battles, raising expectations for future championships.