Palmer: Verstappen Was 2025's Best Driver, 'No Doubt About It'

Former F1 driver and analyst Jolyon Palmer has declared Max Verstappen the driver of the 2025 season, arguing his performance surpassed that of champion Lando Norris. Despite losing the title by a mere two points after trailing by as much as 104, Verstappen's record number of wins and a late-season charge cemented his claim in Palmer's view. Palmer specifically highlighted Verstappen's "all-time great fightback" and his stunning podium drive from the pit lane in Brazil as definitive proof of his superiority.

Why it matters:

The distinction highlights the ongoing debate in F1 between statistical achievement (the championship) and pure driving performance throughout a season. For Verstappen, being recognized for his skill in a year where he didn't have the dominant car further enhances his reputation as one of the generation's most talented drivers. It frames Norris's title win as one of strategic consistency over outright raw pace, adding a layer of complexity to his maiden championship.

The details:

• Verstappen mounted a colossal comeback, overcoming a 104-point deficit to Norris to ultimately fall just two points short of the title.
• He won the most Grands Prix of the 2025 season, showcasing superior race-winning pace even when his overall package wasn't the most consistent.
• Palmer crowned Verstappen's drive from the pit lane to a podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix as the single best performance of the year, a display of "searing pace" and masterful overtaking.
• The only blemish on Verstappen's season, according to Palmer, was his clash with George Russell in Barcelona, which he noted was the Dutchman's sole significant error all year.

Looking Ahead:

Verstappen's 2025 campaign, despite ending in a narrow defeat, will be remembered as a masterclass in resilience and raw talent. This performance sets a formidable benchmark for the 2026 season, where new regulations will once again shuffle the competitive order. If he can carry this form into next year, the four-time champion will be determined to convert his undeniable speed back into a fifth title.