Max Verstappen handed 'miracle' praise despite F1 title defeat

Former F1 driver Romain Grosjean has declared it was a “miracle” that Max Verstappen entered the season finale in Abu Dhabi as a title contender.

Verstappen was just 12 points behind Lando Norris ahead of the final round and secured another win around the Yas Marina Circuit, ensuring he ended the year with three successive wins.

However, it was not enough to fend off Norris, who claimed his maiden title after crossing the Abu Dhabi line in third.

Despite not ending the year as the champion, Verstappen was labelled as the driver of the year by Grosjean.

“Abu Dhabi was almost the least exciting race of the whole season, but the build-up to Abu Dhabi was amazing,” Grosjean told beIN Sports.

“Max Verstappen, I got to say for me, this year, is the [most] outstanding driver of all of them.

“He didn't have a good car, lost a lot of points and then came back. It was a miracle that he was in the fight in Abu Dhabi.”

Verstappen was as far as 104 points behind the lead of the championship after the summer break, before a rise in form offered a late chance at the title.

Grosjean believes the Dutchman's resilience in the battle will serve as an inspiration for other drivers.

“There was no world where he should have been in there and finishing two points only behind Lando Norris,” he said.

“He’s definitely delivered one of his best seasons. Last year was strong as well. The year before, the car was so dominant that it was easier.

“His first world championship was tough in the battle with Lewis.

“This year, just coming back so from so far behind, and being so impressive and so consistent and strong, that has been very, very inspiring for a lot of drivers.”