Verstappen takes pride in 'crazy' turnaround leading to stunning comeback

08:13, 16 Dec

Updated: 09:54, 16 Dec

byKada Sarkozi

Max Verstappen felt better after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this year thanks to Red Bull Racing's end-of-season form compared to the end of 2024.

"I actually feel a lot better now."

- Max Verstappen

After winning his fourth title in 2024, this year began as a difficult one for Red Bull Racing, with McLaren being the clear favourites.

At one point, Verstappen trailed the championship leader by 104 points, but together with the Austrian team, they managed to turn it around completely after the summer break.

The Dutchman also won the final three Grands Prix of the season, and eventually finished only two points behind Lando Norris in the drivers' standings.

Verstappen won three in a row to finish the 2025 season - Photo: Race Pictures

Verstappen said about the campaign: "I mean, at the end of the day, of course, it’s always nicer to win it.

"But, honestly, I’m sitting here now with probably a better feeling than what I had last year at this time because the second half of last year was pretty tricky at times as well.

"So, we have been struggling for, I would say, a year — the second half of last year and the first half of this year.

"But I actually feel a lot better now. Of course, shame to miss out on the title, but at the same time, for a long period of time I was not even thinking about the title. I never felt like I was in it until a few rounds ago.

"That’s pretty crazy. But, yeah, you take your pride in different ways. I’m happy with myself and going into next year I’m not in a state of having to worry about my skills or whatever. So, yes, I feel good."

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