Max Verstappen delivers a heartfelt message to Lando Norris and the McLaren team as the F1 trophy is officially handed over.
In a touching recorded message shared during the FIA prize-giving gala on Friday, Red Bull Racing's star driver Max Verstappen extended his warmest congratulations to Lando Norris and the McLaren team. This came after it was reported earlier that Verstappen would unfortunately miss the ceremony in Uzbekistan due to illness.
The absence of Verstappen, a four-time world champion, was notable as Norris celebrated his first-ever world championship title at the recent Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he finished third, behind his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and race winner Verstappen himself. Despite clinching victory in six of the last nine races, Verstappen fell just short of achieving a remarkable fifth consecutive championship, losing out by a mere two points. This marked the end of Verstappen’s dominance, having been undefeated since he first won the title in 2021.
It was earlier revealed on PlanetF1.com that Verstappen's decision to skip the FIA awards was due to a case of flu. He had previously expressed disdain for the gala, labeling it “nonsense” and indicating that he would prefer not to attend if participation were optional.
Delving deeper into Verstappen's situation: it's intriguing to note how he views the glamour surrounding such award ceremonies. His comments highlight a tension between the sport's competitive spirit and the celebratory aspects often emphasized at these events.
During the ceremony, Norris was awarded the championship trophy, officially becoming the 11th British driver to earn this accolade and the first from McLaren to do so since Lewis Hamilton in 2008. Before Norris took to the stage, a video message from Verstappen was played, in which he explained that medical advice had kept him grounded and away from travel.
In his video address, Verstappen said, “Hi everyone, Max here. I’m very sorry that I cannot be with you guys tonight; the doctors have prevented me from flying. I want to extend my big congratulations first to our president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, for being re-elected. Exciting times lie ahead for all of us, so congratulations once again.
“Also, I’d like to congratulate all the winners present. I recognize the hard work that goes into achieving success, so take pride in your accomplishments and enjoy the event. And of course, special shoutout to McLaren and especially to Lando. You’ve had an incredible season, and it was fantastic to compete against you right to the finish line. Enjoy the celebration, take care, and see you all in 2026!”
Conversely, Verstappen concluded the season by achieving more wins than any other competitor, securing his eighth victory of the 2025 F1 season in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, both Norris and Piastri finished their campaign with seven wins each, driving the impressive McLaren MCL39.
After the Abu Dhabi race, Verstappen reacted strongly to suggestions that his collision with George Russell from Mercedes during the Spanish Grand Prix had cost him the championship. Verstappen received a 10-second penalty for what appeared to be a deliberate collision, which significantly dropped his position and cost him crucial points. During the post-race press conference, he challenged the focus on the Barcelona incident, stating, “You forget all the other stuff that happened in my season. The only thing you mention is Barcelona. I knew that would come.”
As silence filled the room, Verstappen addressed the reporter’s demeanor, suggesting that the question was overly simplistic considering the broader context of his season. He later referenced the support he received from McLaren in the latter part of the season, which helped him dramatically reduce a significant points deficit.
“It’s part of racing. You learn and adapt. The championship is decided over 24 rounds,” he remarked, also noting that he had benefited from fortunate situations in the closing races. Reflecting on the previous months, he acknowledged his misstep in Spain, describing it as "the only point of criticism" during an otherwise successful season.
Verstappen concluded by affirming his resolve to learn from mistakes, indicating that similar issues would not arise in the future, irrespective of the car's performance.
This blend of personal reflection and competitive spirit captures the essence of Verstappen's character and determination in the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing. The season has unfolded with both triumphs and challenges, and the conversations around its events will undoubtedly continue to spark debate among fans and analysts alike.
