Champion highlights Norris gaining strength when battling Verstappen

Norris claimed his first Formula 1 title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, preventing Verstappen from his fifth drivers' championship in a row. The British driver crossed the finish line third during the season finale, and finished two points ahead of the Red Bull driver in the standings.

According to 1997 Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, Norris’ performances improved in the second half of the season.

The Canadian also praised the McLaren driver's recovery after early-season struggles.

He told a betting site: "Norris fought hard last year and didn’t win it. Once he focused on fighting Verstappen this year, he drove better.

He continued: "This year, his first part other than Melbourne was nondescript. Baku was a wake-up call. From then on, he drove superbly."

The Red Bull Racing driver was 104 points behind in the standings after the Dutch Grand Prix, but eventually fell short after completing one of the most impressive comebacks ever.

Villeneuve only named a single mistake the Dutchman made throughout the year. "Max was exemplary all season. He lost a few points in Barcelona, and that’s it.

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