Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri were left to ponder what could have been as they reflected on their disappointing end to the Formula 1 season. The Dutch driver, who finished second in Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, refused to dwell on his narrow loss to Charles Leclerc, instead opting for a pragmatic "life goes on". Meanwhile, his McLaren teammate Piastri was characteristically humble and proud of the hard work he and his team put into securing a podium finish in the season finale.
The Australian driver acknowledged that while it's natural to feel disappointed at missing out on the world title, it's not worth dwelling on. "I'm proud of the work we've done this year," Piastri said. "We've grown as a team and we've achieved some amazing results." It was clear that Piastri had put his heart and soul into the season, even if it didn't ultimately pay off in terms of the championship.
As for Verstappen, he took a more philosophical approach to the disappointment. "That's life," he said wryly. "You can't always get what you want." The 25-year-old Dutchman has had his fair share of setbacks throughout his career, but he remains one of the most formidable drivers on the grid.
While both Verstappen and Piastri are already looking forward to next season, their disappointment at missing out on the title was palpable. However, it's clear that they're not ones to dwell on what could have been – instead, they're focused on building momentum for the future.
The Australian driver acknowledged that while it's natural to feel disappointed at missing out on the world title, it's not worth dwelling on. "I'm proud of the work we've done this year," Piastri said. "We've grown as a team and we've achieved some amazing results." It was clear that Piastri had put his heart and soul into the season, even if it didn't ultimately pay off in terms of the championship.
As for Verstappen, he took a more philosophical approach to the disappointment. "That's life," he said wryly. "You can't always get what you want." The 25-year-old Dutchman has had his fair share of setbacks throughout his career, but he remains one of the most formidable drivers on the grid.
While both Verstappen and Piastri are already looking forward to next season, their disappointment at missing out on the title was palpable. However, it's clear that they're not ones to dwell on what could have been – instead, they're focused on building momentum for the future.
. it's just a bunch of rich guys racing around in fancy cars 
. and now that the season is over, everyone's already talking about next year 
like it's some kinda big deal 
. max and oscar are just being practical, but we all know how that usually ends 
. it's always someone finding a way to be one step ahead 
. i'm not saying they're bad drivers or anything, but let's keep things in perspective 
. F1's just another sport, after all 
.
, he seemed so close to getting that title and now it's like it slipped away from him 
. Verstappen is a total pro though 
, always keeping his cool even when things don't go his way. He's like the ultimate underdog who just won't give up 
. I'm curious what next season will bring for both of them 
! But honestly, these two are total pros for staying positive and looking forward to next season 
- we can't wait to see what they bring to the table in 2026! 
i remember when f1 was still all about schumacher and michel (back in 2000) can you believe how far it's come? and now max and oskar are already talking about next season like they're trying to win the whole shebang again 
I think what bothers me most is how we always expect these drivers to be "on" and ready for the next season after just one bad result 
. Verstappen's philosophy about life going on really resonates with me, but it also makes you wonder if we're underestimating their frustration 
. It's refreshing to see these drivers taking the high road instead of getting bogged down by disappointment 
.
You know, I feel like both Verstappen and Piastri are total rockstars just for showing up and giving it their all this season 
. I mean, second place isn't nothing, right? And Piastri's humility is so inspiring - he could've easily gotten caught up in "what ifs" but instead he's already looking to the future 
. We've all been there, where we wish things had gone a different way, but can't change it now. What I love about these two drivers is that they're not dwelling on disappointment - they're already building for next season and that's what matters 
.
I'm more excited to see what next season brings than I am about dwelling on this one. Bring on the racing, guys!