Verstappen suffered a 10-race winless streak, which allowed Lando Norris and McLaren back into the championship fight. To celebrate Verstappen’s fourth championship, click here to pre-order the official champion cap, as worn by the Red Bull driver following his championship-winning drive in Las Vegas.

Whereas in 2024, McLaren started the campaign with a significant deficit to rivals Red Bull, Norris heads into the upcoming season as the favourite to claim the title. His squad won the Constructors’ Championship last time around, while Verstappen’s team ended the year third fastest.

Lando Norris has pledged to get tough and drive with his “elbows out” against Max Verstappen as the two prepare to resume their title rivalry in the new Formula 1 season.

The Briton fell short in his quest last season as Verstappen won his fourth title in a row. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Then there is the matter of penalty points. Verstappen currently has eight to his name - accumulate four more and he’ll serve a one-race ban. Worse still, the FIA stewards have clamped down on avoidable contact and issued several 10-second time penalties in Abu Dhabi, some harsh and some warranted.