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.

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.

Max Verstappen has unveiled a major change for the 2025 Formula 1 season in a stunning announcement. The four-time world champion will fight for his fifth consecutive world title in 2025, but will face tough opposition from his F1 rivals as the top four teams are all tipped to be in the championship fight.