Max Verstappen 'thanked' for keeping McLaren title fight alive

Former F1 driver Timo Glock has thanked Max Verstappen for keeping the title fight alive against the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for so long, despite having been 104 points adrift after Zandvoort.

Following his home race after the summer break, Verstappen found himself a staggering distance behind the top of the drivers' championship, making a defence of his title look impossible.

However, from Monza onwards, Red Bull and Verstappen came alive, with an upgraded floor turning the RB21 into a stronger car.

Verstappen won seven of the final nine grands prix, falling just two points short of a record-equalling fifth consecutive F1 drivers' title.

The championship was decided in the Abu Dhabi season finale, with Norris sealing the title, and Glock deeming the McLaren driver a "worthy champion."

"If you are on top at the end, you have done a lot of things right throughout the year," Glock is quoted as saying by F1-Insider.

However, the former Jordan, Toyota and Virgin F1 driver believes Verstappen deserves credit for taking the battle down to the wire.

"We have to thank Max Verstappen for once again putting in such an incredible overtaking [performance]," added Glock. "Trailing by 104 points, we all thought: that's it."

Glock impressed by Norris' openness

When Verstappen found himself 104 points adrift, Norris was also a reasonable margin behind Piastri after suffering a technical failure in the Dutch GP.

As a result, many expected the title to be won before the final race, let alone for a three-way scrap to be decided in Abu Dhabi.

"It was great how he [Verstappen] managed to make this world championship so exciting again," Glock said. "About the best driver of all time, we don't need to argue — that's Max Verstappen at the moment."

Despite Glock believing Verstappen remains the best driver on the grid, he has a lot of respect for how Norris conducts himself. The new world champion is very open about his weaknesses, something Glock enjoyed seeing.

"He is open, he has admitted his weaknesses, and yet he has remained true to himself," highlighted Glock. "It's nice to see that drivers today are not just made of steel."

With one drivers' title secured, Norris will have his eyes on becoming a two-time champion — something Glock believes is possible in the right car.

"In terms of style, he is no Max Verstappen; he has often said so himself," noted Glock. "With the right opportunity in the right car, he has a fair chance of running for the world championship. But fighting against Max will always be difficult."