Vettel vs Webber Rivalry

Lore & Background

Born in Hasselt and raised in Maaseik, Verstappen is the son of Dutch former Formula One driver Jos Verstappen and Belgian former kart racer Sophie Kumpen. After a successful karting career culminating in his record-breaking 2013 season, he graduated to junior formulae. He progressed directly to FIA European Formula 3, breaking several records on his way to third in the championship in his rookie season. Aged 17, he signed for Toro Rosso as part of the Red Bull Junior Team, becoming the youngest driver in Formula One history.

Following several points finishes in his debut season, he retained his seat before being promoted to parent team Red Bull to partner Daniel Ricciardo after four rounds. On debut for Red Bull, aged 18, he won the race, becoming the youngest-ever driver to win a Formula One Grand Prix. He achieved multiple race wins in his campaigns, before finishing third in both World Drivers' Championships under Honda power. Verstappen won his maiden title in 2021 after overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the last race, becoming the first World Drivers' Champion from the Netherlands.

He won the next two championships in 2022 and 2023, overturning the largest points deficit in Formula One history in the former and breaking numerous records. 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.

Reader's Guide

Verstappen holds several Formula One records, including the most wins in a season (19), the most podium finishes in a season (21), the most consecutive wins (10), and the most consecutive pole positions (8, shared with Ayrton Senna). He is contracted to remain at Red Bull until at least the end of the 2030 season. Outside of Formula One, he runs the Verstappen Racing team, has competed in sports car racing events, and has competed professionally in sim racing since 2015, winning several marquee iRacing events. He was listed in the 2024 issue of Time as one of the 100 most influential people globally, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2022.