Norris Found His Edge By Focusing on Verstappen Battle, Says Villeneuve
Lando Norris clinched his first Formula 1 title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, edging out Max Verstappen by just two points to prevent the Dutchman from claiming a fifth consecutive championship.
The British driver crossed the finish line in third place during the season finale, doing just enough to secure the crown.
Former champion Jacques Villeneuve believes the key to Norris’s success was his mindset when battling Verstappen.
“Norris fought hard last year and didn’t win it. Once he focused on fighting Verstappen this year, he drove better,” Villeneuve told a betting site.
“It’s different when you fight your teammate and a driver from a different team. It’s a different approach. Lando seems to be much stronger when he’s fighting Max.”
The 1997 world champion noted how Norris transformed his season after a sluggish start.
“This year, his first part other than Melbourne was nondescript. Baku was a wake-up call. From then on, he drove superbly.”
That wake-up call proved crucial. Norris found another gear and steadily chipped away at Verstappen’s advantage.
## Verstappen’s Remarkable Comeback Nearly Paid Off
The Red Bull driver was a staggering 104 points behind after the Dutch Grand Prix.
Despite this massive deficit, he mounted one of the most impressive comebacks in F1 history, nearly pulling off the impossible before falling just short.
Villeneuve had nothing but praise for Verstappen’s season.
“Max was exemplary all season. He lost a few points in Barcelona, and that’s it,” said the Canadian. “Just the fact that he was in the fight in that last race and finished second in the championship is an incredible achievement.”
The final standings tell the story of just how close this battle was:
1. Lando Norris – 423 points
2. Max Verstappen – 421 points
3. Oscar Piastri – 410 points
Only two points separated glory from heartbreak after a full season of racing.
What makes Norris’s achievement even more remarkable is how he managed to overcome his early struggles and find his best form when it mattered most.
Can Norris defend his title next season? Or will a hungry Verstappen reclaim his crown? The stage is already set for another thrilling battle in 2026.
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