Max Verstappen

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Verstappen is the son of Dutch former Formula One driver Jos Verstappen and Belgian former kart racer Sophie Kumpen. He won his maiden title in 2021 after overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the last race. He secured his fourth consecutive title in 2024 after winning nine Grands Prix, including a widely acclaimed wet-weather performance in São Paulo, to become the first driver to win the championship driving for a third-placed constructor in 41 years. He finished runner-up by two points in a three-way title battle with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in 2025.

In Their Own Story

As the season progressed beyond the opening ten races, the competitive landscape shifted dramatically. McLaren's development of the MCL38 allowed them to surpass Red Bull, turning the title fight into a highly competitive battle where six other drivers secured multiple Grand Prix victories. Verstappen faced his closest challenge from Lando Norris as the British team surged ahead in performance. However, through strategic consistency, Verstappen held onto his points lead. The climax arrived at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he secured his fourth consecutive Drivers' Championship title. This victory made him only the second driver after Nelson Piquet to win the drivers' championship with a team that did not become constructors' champions on two or more occasions.

Reader's Guide

Verstappen started racing in karts at age four. He won three CIK-FIA championships in a single season in 2013. He made his Formula One debut with Toro Rosso in 2015 at age 17, becoming the youngest driver in F1 history. He was promoted to Red Bull in 2016 and won his first race on debut, the Spanish Grand Prix, becoming the youngest-ever Grand Prix winner. As of the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, he has 71 race wins, 48 pole positions, 37 fastest laps, and 131 podiums. He holds records including most wins in a season (19), most podiums in a season (21), most consecutive wins (10), and most consecutive pole positions (8, shared with Ayrton Senna). He is contracted to Red Bull until at least the end of the 2030 season.

Did You Know?

• Verstappen was born in Hasselt, Belgium, and raised in Maaseik.
• He was listed in the 2024 issue of Time as one of the 100 most influential people globally.
• He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2022.
• Outside Formula One, he runs the Verstappen Racing team and has competed in sim racing since 2015.