2023 Drivers' World Championship (Max Verstappen)

Lore & Background

Verstappen won his maiden title in 2021 after overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the last race of the season, 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 across both seasons. 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

As of the 2025 season, Verstappen has achieved 63 race wins, 40 pole positions, 33 fastest laps, and 112 podiums in Formula One. In addition to being the youngest Grand Prix winner, he 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). Verstappen is contracted to remain at Red Bull until at least the end of the 2030 season.

Did You Know?

• Verstappen is the son of Dutch former Formula One driver Jos Verstappen and Belgian former kart racer Sophie Kumpen.
• He became the youngest-ever driver to win a Formula One Grand Prix on his debut for Red Bull at age 18.
• Verstappen was appointed an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2022.
• He was listed in the 2024 issue of Time as one of the 100 most influential people globally.