Expert compares Verstappen to Elvis Presley ahead of Abu Dhabi finale

09:00, 04 Dec

Updated: 09:03, 04 Dec

1 Comments

byKada Sarkozi

David Coulthard compares Max Verstappen to Elvis Presley as the title battle heads down to the wire in Abu Dhabi.

"This is like the greatest comeback since Elvis' 1968 TV special."

- David Coulthard

Having been 104 points behind at one point, the Red Bull Racing driver is now only 12 points behind Lando Norris as the Formula 1 title battle heads to Abu Dhabi.

According to former McLaren and Red Bull driver David Coulthard, this is one of the greatest comebacks ever.

Talking on Channel 4, he compared the defending world champion to American star Presley.

He said: "Max is pretty assertive, isn't he, when it comes to pointing out any deficiencies, not only in himself, but in the team; that is part of his make-up."

"This is like the greatest comeback since Elvis' 1968 TV special (when he returned to performing live, ed.). This is like just unbelievable.

"He's come out swinging, and he's actually changed the perceptions of a lot of people who weren't Max fans. They now have to acknowledge just how strong and consistent he's been."

Verstappen on the top step of the podium in Qatar - Photo: Race Pictures

The final chapter of the battle in Abu Dhabi

Entering the final round, Verstappen still needs to overcome a deficit of 12 points. Looking ahead to the season finale, the former F1 driver continued: "There is no question Max is going to be skipping into the paddock in Abu Dhabi, and it is going to feel like race one for him, not race 24.

"But that said, it is another circuit McLaren won there last year, it is a track which looks like, on paper, should suit their car, so it is a complete reset."

The standings ahead of the 2025 Abu Dhabi GP

Standings	Drivers	Points
P1	Lando Norris	408
P2	Max Verstappen	396
P3	Oscar Piastri	392

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