Max Verstappen hailed as 'true champion' and 'killer' after epic title fight with Lando Norris

Despite losing the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship to Lando Norris by a mere two points, Max Verstappen is being hailed by peers and pundits as the "true champion" for his relentless, season-saving comeback. Dutch racing driver Tom Coronel praised Verstappen's "killer mentality" and his role in rallying Red Bull from a mid-season crisis to mount a stunning title challenge that went down to the final race in Abu Dhabi.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's performance redefines what it means to be a champion in defeat. Coming back from a 104-point deficit after the summer break to nearly snatch the title underscores a driver's influence beyond just winning races. It highlights the immense pressure he applied to a dominant McLaren and his critical role in steering Red Bull through internal turmoil, cementing his reputation as the grid's most formidable competitor even in a losing season.

The details:

• The 2025 title fight transformed after the summer break, with Verstappen trailing by 104 points following the Dutch Grand Prix while McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri seemed uncatchable.
• Over the final nine rounds, Verstappen systematically closed the gap, setting up a winner-takes-all scenario in Abu Dhabi where he needed to overcome a 12-point deficit.
• At Yas Marina, Verstappen won the race, but Norris' third-place finish was enough to secure the championship by just two points.
• Tom Coronel emphasized that Verstappen's instinct and mentality were key, stating the Dutchman showed the "instinct not to give up" and a "killer mentality."
• Coronel also credited Verstappen with getting Red Bull "back on track" during a period when the team was "a bit messy," applying pressure internally to spur action.

Between the lines:

The narrative of the 2025 season hinges on a single moment in Qatar. Coronel pointed out that had Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli not made a late mistake, allowing Norris to pass for fourth, the resulting points swing would have made Verstappen champion. This tiny margin underscores how Verstappen's comeback was both spectacular and precariously balanced on external factors. His ability to force the championship to the final corner, despite the massive points gap and McLaren's strength, speaks to a level of performance that often transcends the final standings.

What's next:

While Norris rightly celebrates a hard-fought title, the 2025 season has solidified Verstappen's status as the benchmark driver. The epic comeback has set a dramatic precedent and raised the stakes for 2026. All eyes will be on how Red Bull responds to this near-miss and whether Verstappen can convert this "true champion" form into a record-equaling fifth title, while McLaren will aim to defend their crown against a proven, relentless challenger.