Sacked Red Bull driver trolls team after Max Verstappen loses F1 title to Lando Norris
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Lando Norris clinched the 2025 formula 1 world championship, finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, held on Sunday. Max Verstappen won the race from pole, but fell just two points short of the title. Oscar Piastri finished the season closely behind, marking the closest championship finish since 2008.
Source: Original report
Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday but ultimately lost the 2025 Formula 1 world championship to Lando Norris, who finished third in the race. The tight championship concluded with Norris edging Verstappen by just two points, marking the closest finish since 2008.
Verstappen’s victory at Yas Marina was not enough to alter the championship outcome, as he needed Norris to finish lower to secure a record-equalling fifth title. Throughout the race, Norris faced pressure from Charles Leclerc in fourth place, prompting Red Bull to instruct Yuki Tsunoda to assist Verstappen by impeding Norris.
Red Bull’s Strategy Resembles 2021 Title Showdown
The tactics employed by Red Bull were reminiscent of the 2021 championship when Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate at the time, successfully held up Lewis Hamilton. However, Tsunoda’s efforts to delay Norris were futile, as the McLaren driver swiftly overtook him, even after Tsunoda’s aggressive defence forced Norris off the track.
Fans on social media compared Tsunoda’s performance unfavourably to Perez’s previous strategy, suggesting that the championship’s outcome might differ had Perez still been with Red Bull. Perez himself referenced a meme on Twitter that implied he felt his previous treatment at Red Bull was too harsh, while also congratulating Norris on his title win.
Verstappen Congratulates Norris After Race
Max Verstappen expressed his admiration for Lando Norris post-race, stating, “I don’t see it like losing to be honest. He [Norris] has had a very good season.” Verstappen acknowledged the emotional significance of winning a first championship, encouraging Norris to celebrate with his family and team.
While Verstappen concluded the season with 421 points, Tsunoda ended his campaign in 17th place with just 33 points. Red Bull has confirmed that Tsunoda will not be on the grid in 2026, with rookie Isack Hadjar taking his seat, while Perez will rejoin the grid next year with the new Cadillac team.