Timo Glock: F1 Must Thank Verstappen for Saving 2025 Title Drama

Lando Norris secured the 2025 F1 World Championship in a nail-biting Abu Dhabi finale, but Timo Glock asserts Max Verstappen’s improbable comeback—from 104 points behind after Zandvoort—was the true engine of the season’s historic drama. The Sky Sports analyst argues Verstappen’s relentless charge not only salvaged the title battle but reaffirmed his status as F1’s gold-standard driver.

Why it matters:

Verstappen’s resurgence transformed a potential McLaren coronation into F1’s most gripping championship duel since 2016, proving his psychological dominance can redefine seasons. Norris’ victory, while historic as F1’s 35th world champion, carries added weight because it survived Verstappen’s ferocious late-season surge—a testament to both drivers’ contrasting strengths.

The Details:

• Verstappen’s Improbable Charge: After trailing Norris by 104 points in August, Verstappen won eight straight races to force a winner-takes-all showdown in Abu Dhabi, where Norris clinched the title by a mere 8 points.
• Glock’s Praise for Both: “Norris is a worthy champion who stayed true to himself despite doubts,” Glock said, highlighting the Briton’s emotional transparency. “But Verstappen? The greatest driver right now—no debate.”
• Contrasting Styles: Norris’ self-awareness (“He admits weaknesses”) contrasts with Verstappen’s “unyielding” mentality, yet Glock warns: “Beating Max will always be the toughest challenge, even with a superior car.”
• 2026 Uncertainty: With new technical regulations resetting the playing field, Glock notes Norris must prove he can evolve: “Winning once is hard; repeating requires mastering the mental game Verstappen owns.”

What’s Next:

The 2026 season introduces radical car redesigns, potentially leveling the field between McLaren and Red Bull. Glock predicts:

• Norris must leverage his championship experience to mature mentally, addressing vulnerabilities exposed during Verstappen’s late-season pressure.
• Red Bull’s ability to adapt its design philosophy to the new rules will determine whether Verstappen can reclaim dominance or if McLaren’s upward trajectory continues.
• “The dice are rolled anew,” Glock said. “This isn’t the end of their rivalry—it’s just the first chapter.”