Jacques Villeneuve Hails Verstappen as 'Star of the Year' Despite Title Loss

Jacques Villeneuve has declared Max Verstappen the undeniable "star of the year" for the 2025 F1 season, arguing that the Dutchman's performance transcended his machinery. Despite losing the title by a mere two points to Lando Norris, Villeneuve believes Verstappen kept himself in contention when he realistically "shouldn't have been," given the RB21's performance deficit to the dominant McLaren MCL39.

Why it matters:

• This perspective from a former world champion adds significant weight to the narrative of the 2025 season, reframing Verstappen's title loss not as a failure, but as a testament to his extraordinary talent.
• It elevates Verstappen's legacy, placing him in a "different league" of "great champions" rather than just champions, according to the 1997 title winner.
• The season serves as a powerful reminder that driver skill can still overcome significant performance gaps, keeping championships alive far longer than expected.

The details:

• Villeneuve praised Verstappen's consistency, noting he "threw points away" only once, in Barcelona.
• The 1997 champion highlighted Verstappen's ability to extract maximum performance from the Red Bull RB21, a car widely considered the second-fastest on the grid.
• The championship battle went to the wire, with Norris clinching the title by just two points, a margin far closer than many predicted mid-season.
• Villeneuve made a crucial distinction, stating, "He’s in the league of all the great champions that there have been. Not every champion has been a great champion."

Looking Ahead:

Verstappen's 2025 performance sets a formidable benchmark for the upcoming 2026 season, which will feature new regulations. Red Bull is now under immense pressure to deliver a car worthy of his talent to capitalize on his current peak form. For his rivals, the season serves as a stark warning: even with a superior car, a motivated Verstappen is a threat that cannot be underestimated.