Hamilton vs 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.

Reader's Guide

Verstappen started racing in karts at age four and won multiple national championships before entering international karting. He graduated to the FIA European Formula 3 championship in 2014, finishing third in his rookie season. At age 17, he signed for Toro Rosso as part of the Red Bull Junior Team, becoming the youngest driver in Formula One history. He was promoted to Red Bull after four rounds in 2016 and won his debut race for the team, becoming the youngest-ever Grand Prix winner.

Did You Know?

• Verstappen holds the record for most wins in a season (19), most podium finishes in a season (21), most consecutive wins (10), and most consecutive pole positions (8, shared with Ayrton Senna).
• He is the son of Dutch former Formula One driver Jos Verstappen and Belgian former kart racer Sophie Kumpen.
• Verstappen 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.