Vettel vs Webber Rivalry

Lore & Background

Verstappen is the son of Dutch former Formula One driver Jos Verstappen and Belgian former kart racer Sophie Kumpen. After a successful karting career, he graduated to junior formulae, progressing directly to FIA European Formula 3 and finishing third in his rookie season. Aged 17, he signed for Toro Rosso in 2015, becoming the youngest driver in Formula One history. He was promoted to Red Bull after four rounds in 2016 and won the Spanish Grand Prix on debut, becoming the youngest-ever Grand Prix winner. He won his maiden title in 2021 by overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the last race, becoming the first World Drivers' Champion from the Netherlands. He won consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023.

In Their Own Story

The heat shimmered off the tarmac in Sepang as Sebastian Vettel's RB9 surged ahead of Mark Webber's car. The radio crackled with the voice of Helmut Marko and Christian Horner: 'Multi-21, hold position.' But in the cockpit, the German driver saw only a gap to exploit. He dove down the inside, the two Red Bulls locking wheels for a heartbeat before Vettel forced his way through. The crowd gasped as sparks flew from the carbon fiber. In the pit lane, the silence was deafening; two teammates had just turned a potential 1-2 victory into a chaotic battle of attrition, proving that in the pursuit of glory, even family could turn against each other.

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). As of the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, he has achieved 71 race wins, 48 pole positions, 37 fastest laps, and 131 podiums. He is contracted to remain at Red Bull until at least the end of the 2030 season. Outside Formula One, he runs the Verstappen Racing team, has competed in sports car racing, and has competed professionally in sim racing since 2015.

Did You Know?

• Verstappen was born in Hasselt, Belgium, and raised in Maaseik.
• He started karting at age four and won two CIK-FIA world championships in 2013.
• 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.