Verstappen leaves Norris and McLaren with message after missing FIA gala
Max Verstappen sent a congratulatory message to the FIA and Lando Norris after missing the season-ending gala in Uzbekistan.
The Red Bull Racing driver, who was earlier announced as unable to attend the gala due to illness, recorded a heartfelt message to the several winners at the event in Tashkent.
In his recorded video, Verstappen explained the reason behind his unavailability before moving on to his congratulatory messages.
“Hi everyone, Max here. I'm very sorry that I couldn't be with you tonight. The doctors have prevented me from flying,” he began.
The Dutch driver continued by extending his congratulations to Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who was recently re-elected president of the FIA.
“I just wanted to say a big congratulations, first of all, to our President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, for being re-elected. I'm sure there will be very exciting times ahead for all of us together. Again, congratulations.”
Verstappen concluded by congratulating the winners at the event, including the McLaren team and Lando Norris for their respective championship successes.
“Besides that, of course, I wanted to say a big congrats to all the winners out there. I know that everyone is always working very hard for their success. Be very proud and, of course, enjoy the night. Besides that, regarding my own championship, a big congratulations to McLaren and especially Lando [Norris]."
"You guys had an unbelievable season, and it was really cool to be able to race against you until the end. But definitely enjoy it. Take care, have a great evening, and see you all in 2026,” he concluded.
The four-time F1 champion, who missed the FIA award ceremony for the first time in years, finished the 2025 F1 season behind champion Norris. The Red Bull driver recorded a total of 421 points compared to the 423 achieved by the McLaren driver.
McLaren boss hails Verstappen in key Norris snub
Earlier, McLaren CEO Zak Brown lauded Verstappen in his assessment of the 2025 season.
The 54-year-old praised the four-time world champion as the greatest driver of the modern era, despite Norris winning the drivers’ title.
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