The British driver fulfilled a lifelong career dream by capitalising on the MCL39’s clear superiority this season and, after a difficult opening phase compared to his team-mate, stepped up from the summer break onwards to secure the title despite Max Verstappen’s strong late comeback.

In the end, the Briton managed to control the advantage he had built, crossing the line in third place in Abu Dhabi and clinching the title by just two points, denying the Dutchman a fifth consecutive championship.

Speaking to a betting site, the Colombian stressed that “Lando is a worthy champion, but anybody in that car could have been world champion. Two years ago, Max had the best car. So, was he a worthy champion? Yes."

Montoya highlighted the step forward Norris made between the first and second halves of the season, noting that he needed more time to adapt before finding his groove and stringing together consistent results.

Former Formula 1 driver Riccardo Patrese has offered his own take on who can truly match Max Verstappen on track, insisting that the answer is not current world champion Lando Norris.

In Patrese’s view, only one driver has consistently shown the ability to challenge the four-time world champion over the years, doing so despite never being equipped with a car capable of sustaining a genuine title bid.