12 months ago, the Dutchman sealed his fourth consecutive world title in the Sin City, seeing off Norris with two race weekends to spare after the Brit faded from contention.

However, a year later, and the McLaren driver now leads the World Championship by 24 points before the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix close out the season.

That points gap closed dramatically after the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to Verstappen's victory and Norris' DNF due to plank wear, but the Red Bull driver has been impressed with how his title rival has bounced back from last season.

"I think, lately, the weekends seem to be really coming together very nicely. So, in that sense, it's definitely a bit different," Verstappen explained during Thursday's press conference, admitting to seeing a different side to the Brit compared to last season.

With just two race weekends remaining in 2025, Norris must outscore Verstappen by more than two points at the end of the Qatar Grand Prix to win his maiden World Championship before the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Norris' first title challenge attempt in 2024 highlighted the talent and the potential the Brit had to offer, but a lack of poise and control at several key moments saw him falter.

However, just a season later, the 26-year-old has drastically improved in the big moments, with impressive drives in Mexico City and Sao Paulo cementing that.

After his world title win in 2024, Verstappen was asked whether Norris could become a world champion, with the Dutchman believing that Norris would be in his place as a World Champion.

"What I said last year, I meant - simple as that," stated the four-time world champion, addressing those comments he made about Norris last campaign.