Lando Norris has described Max Verstappen as "the best driver in the world" following the Dutchman's fourth world title in the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Verstappen knew that if he finished ahead of Norris in the race, he would be crowned champion - with the two finishing fifth and sixth, respectively.
Norris has been Verstappen's major threat for the championship, but fell short of the Red Bull driver who has joined Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton in winning at least four titles.
Reflecting on the defeat, Norris defiantly claimed that "deep down" he can challenge Verstappen - as he also offered a healthy dose of pace to the new world champion.
"I feel like I can fight for a championship, I am happy and I can confidently say that I have what it takes, and I know deep down that I have what it takes," Norris told media including RacingNews365.
"I have some things to work on for sure, but I can fight against Max, and I'm happy to say that because I think Max is the best driver in the world, and probably one of the best drivers that there's ever been in F1.
"Many people might agree, but I'm quite confident that when I say that which is rare.
"To put up a fight against him, to go wheel-to-wheel is something I love and in 20-30 years, I can look back and say that I fought such a driver.
"I am happy for him, he deserves the championship, but hopefully I can upset him more next week and next year.
"He's deserved it, he's not put a foot wrong the whole year, and the strength of his is that he has no downsides, he has no negatives.
"When he's had the quickest car, he dominated races, when he is not in the quickest car, he's still been just behind us, almost winning the races anyway.
"He's not had any bad races the whole year and his worst result was fifth. He has driven perfectly and I can't fault him in anyway."
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