P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen ultimately fell just two points short of overhauling Lando Norris to win the title – and it is the closest-ever defeat by one metric.
Max Verstappen suffered the closest-ever F1 title defeat in 2025, trailing champion Lando Norris by just two points despite an impressive late-season surge with six wins in the final nine races.
Verstappen’s incredible comeback from a 104-point deficit after the Dutch GP demonstrated his unwavering determination and skill on the track.
The three-way finale with leader Oscar Piastri added extra drama to the season, ultimately ending with Verstappen finishing as the runner-up with 421 points, narrowly behind Norris’s 423 points.
The percentage margin between Verstappen and Norris, calculated at 0.473%, marked a new record in the history of the world championship, surpassing the previous closest margin set in 1984.
Historically, the 2025 F1 season showcased one of the tightest battles for the championship, adding another memorable chapter to the sport’s rich tapestry.
The significance of Norris’s two-point victory echoed similar narrow title wins in F1 history, highlighting the intense competition and fierce battles that have defined the sport over the years.
