Verstappen sends message to FIA and Norris after missing season-ending gala

Max Verstappen sent a congratulatory video message to the FIA, McLaren, and Lando Norris after being forced to miss the FIA's season-ending Prize Giving Gala in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, due to illness. The Red Bull driver, who finished second to Norris in the 2025 championship by just two points, praised his rival's "unbelievable season" in his recorded remarks.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's absence from the gala marked a break from tradition for the reigning four-time champion, making his public acknowledgment of Norris's title win a notable gesture of sportsmanship. His direct praise for Norris and McLaren highlights the respect between the season's top contenders and sets a tone for their rivalry heading into the 2026 season.

The details:

In the video message played at the event, Verstappen explained his absence was on doctors' orders preventing him from flying. He extended congratulations on two key fronts:

• FIA Leadership: He congratulated Mohammed Ben Sulayem on his re-election as FIA President, expressing confidence in "very exciting times ahead."
• Competitive Rivals: He specifically congratulated McLaren and Lando Norris for their championship success, stating it was "really cool to be able to race against you until the end" of their closely fought season.

The big picture:

The 2025 season concluded with one of the narrowest championship margins in recent years, with Norris securing the title with 423 points to Verstappen's 421. Verstappen's message, coming after such a tight battle, underscores the intensity and mutual respect that defined their championship fight. His absence also follows comments from McLaren team boss Andrea Stella, who recently hailed Verstappen as "the greatest driver of the modern era," further emphasizing the high regard between the two camps despite the competitive tension.

What's next:

Verstappen signed off his message with "see you all in 2026," turning the page to the next season. With new technical regulations looming in 2026, both Red Bull and McLaren will be focused on developing their challengers, setting the stage for another potential showdown between the sport's current leading rivals.