:Max Verstappen

{{short description|Dutch and Belgian racing driver (born 1997)}}

{{Infobox person

| name = Max Verstappen

| image = 2024-08-25 Motorsport, Formel 1, Großer Preis der Niederlande 2024 STP 3973 by Stepro (medium crop).jpg

| caption = Verstappen at the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix

| birth_name = Max Emilian Verstappen

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1997|09|30|df=y}}

| birth_place = Hasselt, Flanders, Belgium

| partner = Kelly Piquet (2020–present)

| children = 1

| father = Jos Verstappen

| mother = Sophie Kumpen

| relatives = {{plainlist|

{{ill|Robert Kumpen|nl}} (grandfather)
Paul Kumpen (great-uncle)
Anthony Kumpen (first cousin once removed)

}}

| awards = Full list

| signature = MaxVerstappenSignature.png

| signature_alt = MVR

| website = {{URL|verstappen.com}}

| module = {{Infobox F1 driver|embed=yes

| nationality = {{flagicon|NED}} Dutch

| 2025 Team = Red Bull Racing-Honda RBPT

| car_number = 33
1 ({{F1|2022}}–present){{efn|Verstappen has competed using the number 1 since he began his World Drivers' Championship defence in {{F1|2022}}.{{Cite web|title=Verstappen will use #1 for 2022 F1 title defence|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.champion-verstappen-to-run-no-1-on-red-bull-in-2022-as-he-reveals.4S83CGt9ewCWlzgYNenbV9.html|archive-date=16 December 2021|access-date=13 December 2021|publisher=Formula One|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216143901/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.champion-verstappen-to-run-no-1-on-red-bull-in-2022-as-he-reveals.4S83CGt9ewCWlzgYNenbV9.html|url-status=live}}}}

| races = {{F1stat|VER|entries}} ({{F1stat|VER|starts}} starts)

| championships = 4 ({{F1|2021}}, {{F1|2022}}, {{F1|2023}}, {{F1|2024}})

| wins = {{F1stat|VER|wins}}

| podiums = {{F1stat|VER|podiums}}

| points = {{F1stat|VER|careerpoints}}

| poles = {{F1stat|VER|poles}}

| fastest_laps = {{F1stat|VER|fastestlaps}}

| first_race = 2015 Australian Grand Prix

| first_win = 2016 Spanish Grand Prix

| last_win = 2025 Japanese Grand Prix

| last_race = {{Latest F1GP}}

| last_season = 2024

| last_position = 1st (437 pts)

}}

| module2 = {{Infobox racing driver|embed=yes

| prev series = FIA F3 European

| prev series years = {{FIAF3|2014}}

| titles = Masters of F3

| title years = 2014

}}

Max Emilian Verstappen ({{IPA|nl|ˈmɑks fɛrˈstɑpə(n)}}; born 30 September 1997) is a Dutch and Belgian{{Cite web |url=https://www.gptoday.net/nl/nieuws/f1/201020/jos-verstappen-over-de-nationaliteit-van-max |website=GP Today |title=Jos Verstappen over de nationaliteit van Max |trans-title=Jos Verstappen about the nationality of Max |access-date=9 October 2022 |language=nl |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009082210/https://www.gptoday.net/nl/nieuws/f1/201020/jos-verstappen-over-de-nationaliteit-van-max |url-status=live}} racing driver who competes under the Dutch flag in Formula One for Red Bull Racing. Verstappen has won four Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles, which he won consecutively from {{F1|2021}} to {{F1|2024}} with Red Bull, and has won {{f1stat|VER|wins}} Grands Prix across 11 seasons.

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—Verstappen graduated to junior formulae. Progressing directly to FIA European Formula 3, Verstappen broke several records on his way to third in the championship in his rookie season with Van Amersfoort.{{efn|Including most consecutive wins (6), youngest winner (16 years, 216 days), and youngest polesitter (16 years, 215 days).}} Aged 17, Verstappen signed for Toro Rosso in {{F1|2015}} as part of the Red Bull Junior Team, becoming the youngest driver in Formula One history at the {{F1GP|2015|Australian}}. Following several points finishes in his debut season, Verstappen retained his seat for {{F1|2016}} before being promoted to parent team Red Bull after four rounds. On debut for Red Bull, aged 18, Verstappen won the {{F1GP|2016|Spanish}}, becoming the youngest-ever driver to win a Formula One Grand Prix. Verstappen achieved multiple race wins in his {{F1|2017}} and {{F1|2018}} campaigns, before finishing third in both the {{F1|2019}} and {{F1|2020}} World Drivers' Championships under Honda power.

Verstappen won his maiden title in {{F1|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. Verstappen won the next two championships in {{F1|2022}} and {{F1|2023}}, overturning the largest points deficit in Formula One history in the former and breaking numerous records across both seasons.{{efn|See § Formula One records and achievements.}} He secured his fourth consecutive title in {{F1|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.

As of the {{Latest F1GP}}, Verstappen has achieved {{f1stat|VER|wins}} race wins, {{f1stat|VER|poles}} pole positions, {{f1stat|VER|fastestlaps}} fastest laps and {{f1stat|VER|podiums}} 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 2028 season.{{cite web |date=3 March 2022 |title=Max Verstappen signs bumper new deal with Red Bull until end of 2028 |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-verstappen-signs-bumper-new-deal-with-red-bull-until-end-of-2028.7Csixu7ehVLNr5mDgFQ1Q7.html |access-date=3 March 2022 |publisher=Formula One |archive-date=3 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303100618/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-verstappen-signs-bumper-new-deal-with-red-bull-until-end-of-2028.7Csixu7ehVLNr5mDgFQ1Q7.html |url-status=live}} 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.

Early life

Max Emilian Verstappen was born on 30 September 1997 in Hasselt, Belgium to Jos Verstappen and Sophie Kumpen.{{cite web |url=http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/driver/171391.html |title=Drivers / Max Verstappen |publisher=ESPN F1 |access-date=20 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321042436/http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/driver/171391.html|archive-date=21 March 2015}}{{Cite web|title=Max Verstappen with his sister Victoria Jane Verstappen and his father Jos Verstappen|url=http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/image/217737.html|access-date=14 December 2020|publisher=ESPN UK|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013203349/https://www.espn.com/f1/|url-status=live}} Verstappen's parents separated when he was young, after which he lived with his father. His younger sister, Victoria, lived with their mother.{{Cite web|date=10 December 2021|title=How Max Verstappen's hard-nosed upbringing created a driver ready for war with Lewis Hamilton|url=https://inews.co.uk/sport/formula-one/max-verstappen-lewis-hamilton-dangerous-driving-1341419|access-date=21 December 2021|website=inews.co.uk|archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221184551/https://inews.co.uk/sport/formula-one/max-verstappen-lewis-hamilton-dangerous-driving-1341419|url-status=live}} Verstappen has three younger half-siblings from his father: a sister from Jos's second marriage and a brother and sister from Jos's current marriage.{{Cite web|title=Jos Verstappen becomes a father for a fourth time|url=https://www.gptoday.net/en/news/f1/247258/jos-verstappen-becomes-a-father-for-a-fourth-time|access-date=21 December 2021|website=GPToday.net|date=2 May 2019 |archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221184601/https://www.gptoday.net/en/news/f1/247258/jos-verstappen-becomes-a-father-for-a-fourth-time|url-status=live}}

His family has a long association with motor sports: his father is a Dutch former Formula One driver, his Belgian mother competed in karting,{{cite web|last1=Bonardel|first1=Cécile|date=18 August 2014|title=Verstappen's son in F1 in 2015|url=http://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/24-hours-of-le-mans-previous-class-winner-jos-verstappen-s-son-in-f1-in-2015_2_2_1746_16741.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129073628/http://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/24-hours-of-le-mans-previous-class-winner-jos-verstappen-s-son-in-f1-in-2015_2_2_1746_16741.html|archive-date=29 November 2014|access-date=28 May 2019|website=24h-lemans.com}}{{cite news|last=Cornelissen|first=Marc|date=17 August 2014|title=Geen rijbewijs, wel in de F1|language=nl|trans-title=No driver's licence, yet in F1|work=Nieuwsblad.be|url=http://www.nieuwsblad.be/sportwereld/cnt/dmf20140816_01219423|access-date=12 December 2014|quote=Max heeft een Belgische moeder, is geboren in Hasselt, woont in Bree en reist met een Belgisch paspoort. Genetisch en cultureel is hij Belgischer dan de gemiddelde Rode Duivel. Maar racen doet hij met een Nederlandse licentie. 'Ik heb heel mijn leven in België gewoond, maar ik voel meer Nederlander. Door al dat karten trek ik meer met mijn vader op dan met mijn moeder. Ik zit gewoon altijd tussen de Nederlanders. [Max has a Belgian mother, was born in Hasselt, lives in Bree, and travels with a Belgian passport. From a genetic and cultural perspective, he's more Belgian than the average Red Devil. Yet he competes with a Dutch racing licence. 'I have lived in Belgium my entire life, but I consider myself more Dutch. As a result of my karting activities I spend more time with my father than with my mother. I'm always surrounded by Dutch people.']|archive-date=8 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150308132510/http://www.nieuwsblad.be/sportwereld/cnt/dmf20140816_01219423|url-status=live}} and his first cousin once removed, Anthony Kumpen, competed in endurance racing and is a two-time NASCAR Whelen Euro Series champion currently serving as the team manager for PK Carsport in Euro Series. Verstappen initially attended a secondary school in Maaseik, before moving into private tutoring; he admitted that he used to leave class early to attend races across Europe with his father.{{Cite web |url=https://f1i.com/news/371167-clever-verstappen-reveals-ploy-to-avoid-school-and-go-racing.html |title=Clever Verstappen remembers ploy to avoid school and go racing |last=van Osten |first=Phillip |date=2 April 2020 |website=F1i.com |access-date=6 December 2024 |archive-date=8 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208005612/https://f1i.com/news/371167-clever-verstappen-reveals-ploy-to-avoid-school-and-go-racing.html |url-status=live }}

Junior racing career

=Karting=

==2005–2009: Dominance in national championships==

Verstappen started racing in karts at the age of four and competing in championships at the age of seven. In 2005 he competed in the Mini Junior championship of his home province of Limburg, Belgium{{cite web|title=Limburgs Kart Championship – Mini-Junior 2005|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/limburgs-kart-championship---mini-junior/2005/|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522154144/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/limburgs-kart-championship---mini-junior/2005/|url-status=live}} and won the VAS Championship in the same category. In 2006, he repeated his success. In 2007, Verstappen graduated to the Rotax Max Mini Max class and won the Rotax Max Challenge Belgium{{cite web|title=Rotax Max Challenge Belgium Minimax 2007|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/rotax-max-challenge-belgium-minimax/2007/|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=24 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140824014222/http://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/rotax-max-challenge-belgium-minimax/2007/|url-status=live}} and the Dutch Championship{{cite web|title=Dutch Championship Minimax 2007|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/dutch-championship-rotax-max-minimax/2007/|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=15 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531002332/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/dutch-championship-rotax-max-minimax/2007/|archive-date=31 May 2023|url-status=live}} in that category. In 2008, racing in a CRG kart entered by his father, Verstappen won the Belgian Cadet Championship,{{cite web|title=Belgian Championship – Cadet 2008|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/belgian-championship---cadet/2008/|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522154236/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/belgian-championship---cadet/2008/|url-status=live}} as well as the Rotax Max Challenge Belgium{{cite web|title=Rotax Max Challenge Belgium Minimax 2008|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/rotax-max-challenge-belgium-minimax/2008/|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522154239/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/rotax-max-challenge-belgium-minimax/2008/|url-status=live}} and Benelux Karting Series in Mini Max class.{{cite web|title=BNL Karting Series Minimax 2008|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/bnl-karting-series---minimax/2008/|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=15 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531003941/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/bnl-karting-series---minimax/2008/|archive-date=31 May 2023|url-status=live}} In 2009, Verstappen joined Pex Racing, a CRG customer team. That year, he defended his titles in the Mini Max championships{{cite web|title=VAS Championship – Rotax Max Challenge Belgium Minimax 2009|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/vas-championship---rotax-minimax/2009/|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522154235/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/vas-championship---rotax-minimax/2009/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=BNL Karting Series Mini Max 2009|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/bnl-karting-series---minimax/2009|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=15 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530235643/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/bnl-karting-series---minimax/2009|archive-date=30 May 2023|url-status=live}} and won the Belgian KF5 Championship.{{cite web|title=Belgian Championship – KF5 2009|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/belgian-championship---kf5/2009/|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522154217/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/belgian-championship---kf5/2009/|url-status=live}}

==2010–2012: Entering the international karting scene==

Verstappen was signed by CRG to race in their factory team and stepped up to international karting in 2010. At the KF3 World Cup, Verstappen finished second to the more experienced Alexander Albon (who would eventually become his Formula One teammate at Red Bull Racing){{cite web|title=CIK-FIA World Cup – KF3 2010|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/world-cup---kf3/2010/|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522154227/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/world-cup---kf3/2010/|url-status=live}} but beat him at the WSK Euro Series{{cite web|title=WSK Euro Series – KF3 2010|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/wsk-euro-series---kf3/2010|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=15 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531001112/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/wsk-euro-series---kf3/2010|archive-date=31 May 2023|url-status=live}} and also won the WSK World Series, beating Robert Vișoiu.{{cite web|title=WSK World Series – KF3 2010|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/wsk-world-series---kf3/2010/|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=30 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730035255/http://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/wsk-world-series---kf3/2010/|url-status=live}} He finished fifth in the European Championship and won the WSK Nations Cup{{cite web|title=WSK Nations Cup KF3 2010|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/wsk-nations-cup---kf3/2010|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=15 October 2023|archive-date=31 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531003715/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/wsk-nations-cup---kf3/2010|url-status=live}} as well as the final of the Bridgestone Cup where during a 28 laps' race in the rain he beat Dennis Olsen by over 11 seconds.{{cite web|title=Bridgestone Cup Final KF3 2010|url=https://news.verstappen.com/pdf/2010/2010-10-24_Bridgestone-Cup_Final_KF3.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010192601/https://news.verstappen.com/pdf/2010/2010-10-24_Bridgestone-Cup_Final_KF3.pdf|archive-date=10 October 2023|url-status=live|access-date=16 October 2023}} In 2011, Verstappen won the WSK Euro Series ahead of Esteban Ocon in a Parilla-powered CRG kart.{{cite web|title=WSK Euro Series – KF3 2011|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/wsk-euro-series---kf3/2011/|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=27 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427010816/http://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/wsk-euro-series---kf3/2011/|url-status=live}} However, it was not a successful year for him, as he finished 14th in the European Championship and got taken out in the World Cup by Charles Leclerc.

In the following year, Verstappen joined the Intrepid Driver Program to race in the KF2 and KZ2 classes. He won the WSK Master Series in the KF2 class, beating the CRG driver Felice Tiene.{{cite web|title=WSK Master Series – KF2 2012|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/wsk-master-series---kf2/2012/|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522154309/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/wsk-master-series---kf2/2012/|url-status=live}} Verstappen won the South Garda Winter Cup in the KF2 class, beating Dennis Olsen and Antonio Fuoco.{{cite web|title=17° Winter Cup – KF2 2012|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/south-garda-winter-cup---kf2/2012/|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522154314/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/south-garda-winter-cup---kf2/2012/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=SKUSA SuperNationals XVI – KZ2 2012|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/skusa-supernationals---kz2/2012/|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522154319/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/skusa-supernationals---kz2/2012/|url-status=live}} He finished sixth in the WSK Euro Series.{{cite web|title=WSK Euro Series – KF2 2012|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/wsk-euro-series---kf2/2012|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=15 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605105850/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/wsk-euro-series---kf2/2012|archive-date=5 June 2023|url-status=live}} He was the youngest driver taking part in the World Championship in KF1 class and finished eight.{{cite web|title=World Championship– KF1 2012|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/world-championship-kf1/2012|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=15 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531002806/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/world-championship-kf1/2012|archive-date=31 May 2023|url-status=live}}

In July 2012, it was announced that Verstappen would leave Intrepid. After a short stint with CRG-built Zanardi karts, Verstappen returned to the factory CRG team.{{cite web|title=Max rijdt rest van seizoen op CRG kart met TM motor|url=http://www.verstappen.nl/?locatie=bericht&id=8038|work=Verstappen Info Page|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=5 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205012637/http://www.verstappen.nl/?locatie=bericht&id=8038|url-status=live}} He finished second at the World Cup in the KF2 class{{cite web|title=World Cup– KF2 2012|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/world-cup---kf2/2012|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=15 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605092022/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/world-cup---kf2/2012|archive-date=5 June 2023|url-status=live}} and competed at the SKUSA SuperNationals in the KZ2 class in a CRG, finishing 21st.

==2013: Record-breaking season==

File:Max Verstappen Karting World Championship 2013.jpg, pictured at the KF World Championship.]]

In 2013, Verstappen completed a record-breaking season in karting, having progressed to the senior KF and KZ categories. Aged 15, he won three CIK-FIA championships in a single season: two European Championships and a World Championship; an unprecedented feat in the history of the discipline.{{Cite web|title=Verstappen sets Karting world record|url=https://www.fiakarting.com/news/max-verstappen-an-exceptional-season-with-more-th|website=fiakarting.com|access-date=15 February 2022|archive-date=15 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215021715/https://www.fiakarting.com/news/max-verstappen-an-exceptional-season-with-more-th|url-status=live}} He became the first driver since his father Jos to win two European Championships in the same season, and the first to do so in both the primary direct-drive and gearbox classes. By winning the 2013 KZ World Championship at Varennes-sur-Allier, beating Charles Leclerc to the title, Verstappen became the youngest-ever driver to win the gearbox World Championship.{{Cite web|date=24 February 2014|title=Verstappen is KZ World Champion at 15!|url=https://www.fia.com/news/verstappen-kz-world-champion-15|access-date=20 January 2022|website=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|archive-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120232052/https://www.fia.com/news/verstappen-kz-world-champion-15|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=World Championship – KZ 2013|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/world-championship-kz/2013|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=9 October 2023|archive-date=10 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010192606/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/world-championship-kz/2013|url-status=live}}

Further adding to his accolades in 2013, Verstappen also finished third at the KF World Championship after being disqualified for a move on Nicklas Nielsen in the final race, having won the opening round and pre-final.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fia.com/news/briton-joyner-wins-kf-world-championship-end|date=13 February 2014|website=FIA|title=The Briton Joyner wins the KF World Championship in the end|access-date=21 September 2024|archive-date=20 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920235632/https://www.fia.com/news/briton-joyner-wins-kf-world-championship-end|url-status=live}} This was the only championship he failed to win in 2013 whilst completing all rounds. Verstappen won the South Garda Winter Cup in KF2,{{cite web|title=South Garda Winter Cup – KF2 2013|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/south-garda-winter-cup---kf2/2013|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=9 October 2023|archive-date=10 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010192604/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/south-garda-winter-cup---kf2/2013|url-status=live}} as well as the WSK Euro Series and the WSK Super Master Series in KZ1 and KZ2, respectively.{{cite web|title=WSK Euro Series – KZ1 2013|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/wsk-euro-series---kz1/2013|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=9 October 2023|archive-date=10 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010192559/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/wsk-euro-series---kz1/2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=WSK Master Series – KZ2 2013|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/wsk-master-series---kz2/2013|work=DriverDB.com|access-date=9 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008013540/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/wsk-master-series---kz2/2013|url-status=live}}

= Lower formulae =

{{Multiple images

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| footer = Verstappen competed in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship in 2014, after joining the Red Bull Junior Team.

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Verstappen first experienced formula racing at Pembrey in August 2013 with Manor MP; he drove 160 laps across two days in a Barazi-Epsilon FR2.0-10.https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/autosport-75-why-verstappen-was-ready-for-f1-at-17/10713867/{{cite web|title=Max Verstappen sensationeel in allereerste meters Formule Renault 2.0|url=http://www.racexpress.nl/formule-1/max-verstappen-sensationeel-in-allereerste-meters-formule-renault-2-0/n/53111|work=RaceXpress.nl|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=5 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205021915/http://www.racexpress.nl/formule-1/max-verstappen-sensationeel-in-allereerste-meters-formule-renault-2-0/n/53111|url-status=live}} He tested for several other Formula Renault 2.0 teams that year.{{cite web|url=http://www.gpupdate.net/nl/autosport-nieuws/303024/verstappen-max-al-net-zo-snel-als-ervaren-coureurs/|title=Verstappen: "Max al net zo snel als ervaren coureurs"|website=GPUpdate.net|access-date=2 September 2017|archive-date=2 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902224144/http://www.gpupdate.net/nl/autosport-nieuws/303024/verstappen-max-al-net-zo-snel-als-ervaren-coureurs/|url-status=live}} In December 2013, Verstappen tested a Dallara F311 Formula Three car run by Motopark Academy.{{Cite web|title=Max Verstappen flies in Formula 3 test debut|url=https://www.autosport.com/fia-f3/news/max-verstappen-flies-in-formula-3-test-debut-4471773/4471773/|access-date=20 January 2022|website=Autosport|archive-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120130449/https://www.autosport.com/fia-f3/news/max-verstappen-flies-in-formula-3-test-debut-4471773/4471773/|url-status=live}} An additional Formula Renault test followed in December at Circuito de Jerez. Driving for Josef Kaufmann Racing, Verstappen went faster than Formula Renault regulars like Steijn Schothorst and Matt Parry.{{cite web|title=Max op haar na snelste bij laatste FR 2.0 test van 2013|url=http://www.verstappen.nl/?locatie=bericht&id=8323|work=Verstappen Info Page|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=5 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205012246/http://www.verstappen.nl/?locatie=bericht&id=8323|url-status=live}} At the Circuit Ricardo Tormo near Valencia, Verstappen set a faster lap time than the more experienced driver Eddie Cheever III.{{cite web|title=Max fenomenaal snel bij zijn eerste F3 test op Valencia|url=http://www.verstappen.nl/?locatie=bericht&id=8326|work=Verstappen Info Page|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=5 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205012216/http://www.verstappen.nl/?locatie=bericht&id=8326|url-status=live}}

== 2014: Florida Winter Series and Formula Three ==

On 16 January 2014, it was announced Verstappen would make his racing debut in the non-championship Florida Winter Series.{{cite web|title=Max maakt autosportdebuut in Florida Winter Series|url=http://www.verstappen.nl/?locatie=bericht&id=8336|work=Verstappen Info Page|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=5 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205012639/http://www.verstappen.nl/?locatie=bericht&id=8336|url-status=live}} On 5 February, at the second race weekend, Verstappen won the race at Palm Beach International Raceway after he started from pole.{{cite web|title=Verstappen wint eerste autorace na regen en rode vlag|url=http://www.gpupdate.net/nl/autosport-nieuws/306301/verstappen-wint-eerste-autorace-na-rode-vlag|access-date=16 May 2016|archive-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306004252/http://www.gpupdate.net/nl/autosport-nieuws/306301/verstappen-wint-eerste-autorace-na-rode-vlag/|url-status=live}} A few weeks later, Verstappen won his second race of the series at Homestead–Miami Speedway after beating Nicholas Latifi by 0.004 seconds.{{Citation|title=Max Verstappen Onboard FWS, Homestead race 3, 19/02/2014 – Max beats Latifi by 0.004s!| date=11 March 2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJQHa6nHV04|access-date=20 January 2022|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013203425/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJQHa6nHV04|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Formule 1 nieuws – Lees het laatste nieuws over Formule 1|url=https://nl.motorsport.com/f1/news/|access-date=20 January 2022|website=nl.motorsport.com|language=nl|archive-date=18 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318043055/https://www.autosport.com/|url-status=live}}

Following his single-seater debut in the inaugural Florida Winter Series, Verstappen drove in the 2014 FIA Formula 3 European Championship for Van Amersfoort Racing.{{cite web |url=http://www.fiaf3europe.com/en/news/Max-Verstappen-new-Red-Bull-Junior.html |title=Max Verstappen new part of the Red Bull Junior Team |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile |access-date=20 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924012244/http://www.fiaf3europe.com/en/news/Max-Verstappen-new-Red-Bull-Junior.html |archive-date=24 September 2015}} Aged 16, Verstappen achieved 10 victories in total—including a record six consecutive wins at Spa-Francorchamps and the Norisring—along with eight retirements and one missed start, becoming the youngest race winner and polesitter in Formula Three history at the Hockenheimring; he placed third in the overall standings, with the most wins.{{cite web|title=Max Verstappen|url=https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/athlete/max-verstappen-bio|access-date=29 January 2022|publisher=Red Bull |archive-date=29 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129030707/https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/athlete/max-verstappen-bio|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=2014 European F3 Championship|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2014-european-f3-championship/|access-date=19 January 2022|work=Motor Sport Magazine|archive-date=22 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122204809/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2014-european-f3-championship/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Max Verstappen: what I learned in F3|date=2 August 2016 |url=https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/max-verstappen-interview-european-f3-review-2014|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Red Bull|archive-date=22 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122204809/https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/max-verstappen-interview-european-f3-review-2014|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/fia-f3/news/hockenheim-european-f3-max-verstappen-takes-maiden-f3-win-4471969/4471969/|title=Hockenheim European F3: Max Verstappen takes maiden F3 win|date=4 May 2014|access-date=28 November 2024|website=Autosport|first=Marcus|last=Simmons|archive-date=3 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203010943/https://www.autosport.com/fia-f3/news/hockenheim-european-f3-max-verstappen-takes-maiden-f3-win-4471969/4471969/|url-status=live}}

Formula One career

During the first practice session at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen replaced Jean-Éric Vergne as part of his preparation for a full-time seat at Toro Rosso in the {{f1|2015}} season.{{Cite web|last=Benson|first=Andrew|date=29 September 2014|title=Max Verstappen: Teenager to drive in practice at Japanese Grand Prix|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/29408212|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601084502/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/29408212|archive-date=1 June 2016|access-date=23 July 2016|publisher=BBC Sport}} Aged 17 years and three days, Verstappen was the youngest person in history to participate in a Formula One race weekend.{{Cite web |date=24 July 2016 |title=Japanese Grand Prix 2014: History-maker Max Verstappen flies like the wind as typhoon zooms closer |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/japanese-grand-prix-2014-history-maker-max-verstappen-flies-like-the-wind-as-typhoon-zooms-closer-9773924.html |access-date=22 January 2022 |website=The Independent|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724110219/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/japanese-grand-prix-2014-history-maker-max-verstappen-flies-like-the-wind-as-typhoon-zooms-closer-9773924.html |archive-date=24 July 2016 |url-status=dead}} In August 2014, Verstappen joined the Red Bull Junior Team after testing a Formula Renault 3.5 car. He also considered an offer from Mercedes to join their driver development programme.{{cite news|url=http://www.nu.nl/sport/3850611/max-verstappen-per-direct-opgenomen-in-opleiding-red-bull.html|title=Max Verstappen per direct opgenomen in opleiding Red Bull|date=12 August 2014|work=verstappen.nl |access-date=18 August 2014|publisher=Nu.nl|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522154400/https://www.nu.nl/sport/3850611/max-verstappen-per-direct-opgenomen-in-opleiding-red-bull.html|url-status=live}}

=Toro Rosso (2015–2016) =

File:Max Verstappen 2015 Malaysia Q2.jpg) became the youngest driver in Formula One history at the {{F1GP|2015|Australian}}, aged 17.]]

Verstappen then became the youngest driver to start a World Championship race through joining Toro Rosso's race drivers' line-up with Carlos Sainz as his teammate, in his Grand Prix debut as a full-time driver at the 2015 Australian Grand Prix at the age of {{Age in years and days|1997|9|30|2015|3|15}}{{Emdash}}breaking Jaime Alguersuari's existing record by almost two years.{{cite news|title=Max Verstappen to race with Toro Rosso F1 team in 2015|website=Autosport|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115435|date=18 August 2014|access-date=18 August 2014|archive-date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701130917/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115435|url-status=live}} In this first race, Verstappen ran in points-scoring positions until he was forced to retire due to an engine failure.{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118069|title=Lewis Hamilton beats Nico Rosberg to win|first=Lawrence|last=Barretto|website=Autosport|date=15 March 2015|access-date=29 March 2015|archive-date=16 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316231343/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118069|url-status=live}} However, at the subsequent race in Malaysia, Verstappen qualified sixth and finished the race in seventh place, scoring his first Formula One points aged {{Age in years and days|1997|9|30|2015|3|29}}, breaking the record of the then-youngest driver to score World Championship points.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/sebastian-vettel/11502398/Malaysian-GP-2015-Sebastian-Vettel-picks-up-surprise-win-for-Ferrari-to-blow-world-title-wide-open.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/sebastian-vettel/11502398/Malaysian-GP-2015-Sebastian-Vettel-picks-up-surprise-win-for-Ferrari-to-blow-world-title-wide-open.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Sebastian Vettel picks up surprise win for Ferrari to blow world title wide open|first=Daniel|last=Johnson|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=29 March 2015|access-date=29 March 2015|quote=Max Verstappen took seventh to become the youngest points scorer in F1 history, at 17 years and 180 days.}}{{cbignore}}

At the 2015 Monaco Grand Prix, Verstappen was involved in a high-speed collision with Romain Grosjean, after clipping the back of Grosjean's Lotus on the approach to the tight first corner, Sainte Devote, and crashed into the barriers at high speed.{{Citation|title=5 Crazy Onboards {{!}} Monaco Grand Prix| date=22 May 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMde0gU-KhQ|access-date=20 January 2022|archive-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120132014/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMde0gU-KhQ|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Monaco GP: Max Verstappen penalised for crash with Romain Grosjean|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/monaco-gp-max-verstappen-penalised-for-crash-with-romain-grosjean-5006608/5006608/|access-date=20 January 2022|website=Autosport|date=24 May 2015 |archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217052426/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/monaco-gp-max-verstappen-penalised-for-crash-with-romain-grosjean-5006608/5006608/|url-status=live}} Verstappen was given a five-place grid penalty for causing the accident, and was branded "dangerous" by Williams driver Felipe Massa.William Esler, "[http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31381/9875227/max-verstappen-hits-back-at-felipe-massa-of-monaco-crash-criticism Max Verstappen hits back at Felipe Massa over Monaco crash criticism] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611182531/http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31381/9875227/max-verstappen-hits-back-at-felipe-massa-of-monaco-crash-criticism |date=11 June 2016}}", Sky Sports, 2015.

Verstappen continued to regularly finish in the points as well as achieving his best finish of the 2015 season in Hungary by finishing fourth,{{Cite web|title=9 things we learned from the Hungarian Grand Prix|date=26 July 2015 |url=https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/2015-hungarian-grand-prix-f1-report|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Red Bull|archive-date=10 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310191111/https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/2015-hungarian-grand-prix-f1-report|url-status=live}} and equalled this result at the United States Grand Prix.{{Cite web|title=Hamilton seals 2015 title with thrilling Austin win|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2015/10/hamilton-seals-2015-title-with-thrilling-austin-win.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=25 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225175054/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2015/10/hamilton-seals-2015-title-with-thrilling-austin-win.html|url-status=live}} At the end of the season, Verstappen received three awards at the FIA Prize Giving Ceremony, for "Rookie of the Year", "Personality of the Year" and "Action of the Year", for his overtake on Felipe Nasr on the outside of the Blanchimont corner at the Belgian Grand Prix.{{cite web|last1=Galloway|first1=James|title=Lewis Hamilton & Mercedes officially crowned 2015 world champions|url=http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24181/10087594/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-officially-crowned-2015-world-champions|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=5 December 2015|date=5 December 2015|archive-date=5 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205171818/http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24181/10087594/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-officially-crowned-2015-world-champions|url-status=live}}{{Citation|title=Top 10 Moments of Max Verstappen Magic in F1| date=8 January 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4pF4bMwYYI|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119223659/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4pF4bMwYYI|url-status=live}}

File:Verstappen Bahrain 2016.jpg]]

Verstappen began the 2016 season at Toro Rosso, again alongside Sainz.{{Cite web|title=Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz to continue for Toro Rosso in 2016|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12471/10084883/toro-rosso-have-confirmed-that-max-verstappen-and-carlos-sainz-will-race-in-2016|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Sky Sports|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119221049/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12471/10084883/toro-rosso-have-confirmed-that-max-verstappen-and-carlos-sainz-will-race-in-2016|url-status=live}} Verstappen qualified fifth for the opening race of the season in Australia, but during the race made several radio calls to his team due to frustration at being behind Sainz on track before Verstappen's Toro Rosso came into contact with his teammate's car whilst attempting to pass him with three laps to go, and he eventually finished tenth."[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/35854819 Max Verstappen: Australian GP shows moody side of Toro Rosso teenager] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323010100/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/35854819 |date=23 March 2016}}", BBC Sport, 2016. Verstappen enjoyed a more successful weekend at the following race in Bahrain, finishing sixth to score Toro Rosso's first-ever points at the Sakhir circuit."[http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/337624/verstappen-scores-str-s-first-bahrain-points/ Verstappen scores STR's first Bahrain points] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511232826/http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/337624/verstappen-scores-str-s-first-bahrain-points/ |date=11 May 2016}}", GP Update, 2016.

=Red Bull (2016–present)=

==2016: Youngest Grand Prix winner==

File:Verstappen Spain 2016.jpg, in his first race for the Red Bull Racing team]]

On 5 May 2016, following the {{F1GP|2016|Russian}}, Red Bull Racing announced that Verstappen would be replacing Daniil Kvyat from the Spanish Grand Prix onwards, with Kvyat returning to Toro Rosso.{{Cite web|title=Red Bull replace Kvyat with Verstappen|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/5/red-bull-replace-kvyat-with-verstappen.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120221159/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/5/red-bull-replace-kvyat-with-verstappen.html|url-status=live}} According to Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner, "Max has proven to be an outstanding young talent. His performance at Toro Rosso has been impressive so far and we are pleased to give him the opportunity to drive for Red Bull Racing."{{cite news|url=http://www.redbullracing.com/article/new-line-spain|title=New line-up for Spain|work=RedBullRacing.com|date=5 May 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508080016/http://www.redbullracing.com/article/new-line-spain|archive-date=8 May 2016}} After qualifying fourth for the Spanish Grand Prix,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/formula1/35946953|title=Hamilton takes pole in Spain|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 May 2016|access-date=12 February 2018|archive-date=20 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220042109/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/formula1/35946953|url-status=live}} Verstappen rose to second behind teammate Daniel Ricciardo on the opening lap after Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg crashed out of the race.{{Cite web|title=WATCH: Mercedes collision puts Hamilton and Rosberg out on lap 1|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/5/mercedes-collision-puts-hamilton-and-rosberg-out-on-lap-one.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=24 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124222604/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/5/mercedes-collision-puts-hamilton-and-rosberg-out-on-lap-one.html|url-status=live}} Verstappen took the race lead as he was placed on a two-stop rather than the same three-stop strategy as Ricciardo, and he held off Ferrari's Kimi Räikkönen in the later stages of the race to take his first Formula One victory.{{Citation|title=2016 Spanish Grand Prix: Race Highlights| date=7 May 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B3-C914d_c|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=21 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421042514/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B3-C914d_c|url-status=live}}{{Citation|title=Verstappen's Maiden Win {{!}} Spanish Grand Prix 2016| date=28 January 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hohuswdeznA|access-date=21 January 2022|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013203403/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hohuswdeznA|url-status=live}} By doing so he displaced Sebastian Vettel as the youngest driver ever to win a Formula One Grand Prix at the age of 18 years and 228 days.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2016/may/15/f1-spanish-gp-live-lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg|title=F1: Max Verstappen wins Spanish GP after Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg crash – live!|last=Ostlere|first=Lawrence|date=15 May 2016|website=The Guardian|access-date=15 May 2016|archive-date=15 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160515143832/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2016/may/15/f1-spanish-gp-live-lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg|url-status=live}}

In his first eight races with Red Bull, he achieved six top-five finishes, including four podiums.{{cite web|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/max-verstappen/grand-prix.aspx|title=Max Verstappen – Grands Prix|access-date=13 June 2022|website=StatsF1|archive-date=13 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613195714/https://www.statsf1.com/en/max-verstappen/grand-prix.aspx|url-status=live}}

During the Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen collided with Räikkönen at the first corner, pushed Vettel, Räikkönen and Pérez wide at Les Combes, and aggressively blocked Räikkönen on the Kemmel straight.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/37226080|title=Formula 1: Max Verstappen gets under the skin of top drivers|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 August 2016|access-date=4 November 2016|archive-date=13 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113170546/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/37226080|url-status=live}} Verstappen was criticised for his driving, with Räikkönen saying that he was "going to cause a huge accident sooner or later." Christian Horner noted that the driving was "on the edge", and that Verstappen will "look at it and learn for future races."{{Cite web |last=Saunders |first=Nate |date=29 August 2016 |title=Horner: Verstappen will learn from Belgium |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/17413337/christian-horner-says-max-verstappen-learn-belgium |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107083945/http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/17413337/christian-horner-says-max-verstappen-learn-belgium |archive-date=7 November 2016 |access-date=4 November 2016 |publisher=ESPN}} In September, Formula One director Charlie Whiting called in Verstappen for a discussion, and later gave him a 'gentle warning' due to his aggressive driving.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/37258313|title=Italian GP: Max Verstappen given 'gentle warning' by FIA|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 September 2016|access-date=4 November 2016|archive-date=6 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906224118/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/37258313|url-status=live}} However, in October, drivers' concerns about Verstappen's defensive tactics led the FIA to disallow moving under braking.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/37741994|title=Formula 1 outlaws moving under braking after protests over Max Verstappen|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 October 2016|access-date=12 February 2018|archive-date=2 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902235036/http://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/37741994|url-status=live}}

At the 2016 Brazilian Grand Prix, Verstappen qualified fourth.{{cite web|title=Formula 1 Grande Premio do Brasil 2016 – Qualifying |url=http://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2016/races/956/brazil/qualifying.html |publisher=Formula One |access-date=17 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117112850/http://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2016/races/956/brazil/qualifying.html |archive-date=17 November 2016 |url-status=dead}} In a rain affected race, he almost hit the barrier after he slid on the main straight due to a loss of traction, causing oversteer.{{Citation|title=Verstappen's Amazing Save in Brazil {{!}} F1 is...Heart-in-Mouth| date=14 March 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQCeQKQ7_vI|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=10 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310040858/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQCeQKQ7_vI|url-status=live}} After an additional tyre change from intermediates back to rain tyres, he ran in 16th place with just 15 laps remaining. Verstappen then made several overtakes in quick succession during the closing laps to eventually finish on the podium in third place.{{cite web|last1=Galloway |first1=James |title=Max Verstappen stole the show in Brazil GP, says Mercedes' Toto Wolff |url=http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31381/10657138/max-verstappen-stole-the-show-in-brazil-gp-says-mercedes-toto-wolff |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=17 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117112959/http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31381/10657138/max-verstappen-stole-the-show-in-brazil-gp-says-mercedes-toto-wolff |archive-date=17 November 2016 |date=14 November 2016 |url-status=dead}} He received considerable praise for his performance: rival team Mercedes' team principal, Toto Wolff, labelled it "The Verstappen Show", and described Verstappen's drive as "physics..being redefined".{{cite web|last1=Gill |first1=Pete |last2=Esler |first2=William |title=Max Verstappen's Brazilian GP drive hailed as 'one of the best ever in F1' |url=http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12040/10656712/max-verstappens-brazilian-gp-drive-hailed-as-one-of-the-best-ever-in-f1 |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=17 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117113003/http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12040/10656712/max-verstappens-brazilian-gp-drive-hailed-as-one-of-the-best-ever-in-f1 |archive-date=17 November 2016 |date=14 November 2016 |url-status=dead}}{{Citation|title=Max Verstappen's Masterclass {{!}} 2016 Brazilian Grand Prix| date=7 November 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO3q69x2sXA|access-date=22 January 2022|archive-date=22 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122133251/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO3q69x2sXA|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Verstappen's Brazil drive earns Senna/Schumacher comparisons|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/11/f1-verstappen-brazil-gp-senna-schumacher-comparisons.html|access-date=22 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=22 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122133250/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/11/f1-verstappen-brazil-gp-senna-schumacher-comparisons.html|url-status=live}} However, Verstappen came under criticism from four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, who stated that Verstappen had pushed him off the track at the Junção corner late in the race. The race stewards did not share Vettel's view and decided that no reprimand was warranted.{{cite web|last1=Edmondson |first1=Laurence |title=Vettel: Verstappen move was 'not correct' |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/18041493/max-verstappen-move-was-not-correct |publisher=ESPN |access-date=17 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117113518/http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/18041493/max-verstappen-move-was-not-correct |archive-date=17 November 2016 |date=14 November 2016 |url-status=dead}}

==2017–2018: Reliability issues and rise to prominence==

File:Max Verstappen overtaking Lewis Hamilton 2017 Malaysia 2.jpg

During the first 14 races of the 2017 season, Verstappen suffered seven retirements, four due to mechanical issues,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/41068214|title=Max Verstappen: Red Bull's reliability unacceptable|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 August 2017|access-date=12 February 2018|archive-date=30 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830010414/http://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/41068214|url-status=live}} and three due to first lap collisions in Spain, Austria and Singapore.[http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10877127/spanish-gp-valtteri-bottas-triggers-max-verstappen-kimi-raikkonen-crash Spanish GP: Valtteri Bottas triggers Max Verstappen-Kimi Raikkonen crash] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628083609/http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10877127/spanish-gp-valtteri-bottas-triggers-max-verstappen-kimi-raikkonen-crash |date=28 June 2017}} – James Galloway and Emily McNally, Sky Sports, 14 May 2017 Of the races he finished, however, he claimed a third place in China, and in another five races he finished fourth or fifth.

From the Malaysian Grand Prix onward, Verstappen enjoyed a surge of success. He won his second Formula One race at the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix, a day after his 20th birthday, passing then three-time champion Lewis Hamilton for the lead in the early stages of the race.{{cite web|date=1 October 2017|title=Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to win F1's Malaysian Grand Prix|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/oct/01/max-verstappen-lewis-hamilton-f1-malaysian-grand-prix-race-report-formula-one|access-date=19 January 2022|website=The Guardian|archive-date=15 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215041014/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/oct/01/max-verstappen-lewis-hamilton-f1-malaysian-grand-prix-race-report-formula-one|url-status=live}} He finished second in the following race in Japan.{{cite web|title=2017 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix – Race Result|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2017/races/974/japan/race-result.html|publisher=Formula One|access-date=24 October 2017|archive-date=7 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007170355/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2017/races/974/japan/race-result.html|url-status=live}} He then finished third at the United States Grand Prix, but was classified fourth after his final lap overtake on Kimi Räikkönen was deemed illegal.{{cite web|title=2017 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix – Race Result|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2017/races/975/united-states.html|publisher=Formula One|access-date=24 October 2017|archive-date=22 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022215609/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2017/races/975/united-states.html|url-status=live}} He won his third Formula One race at the Mexican Grand Prix, after passing Sebastian Vettel on the opening lap.{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2017/races/976/mexico.html|title=Formula 1 Gran Premio de México 2017 – Race Result|publisher=Formula One|access-date=29 October 2017|archive-date=27 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027235005/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2017/races/976/mexico.html|url-status=live}}

File:FIA F1 Austria 2018 Nr. 33 Verstappen.jpg]]

In the first six races of the {{F1|2018}} season, Verstappen had been involved in at least one incident in each race. In Australia, he qualified fourth but fell behind Kevin Magnussen at the start.{{Cite web|title=F1 Results – 2018 Australian Grand Prix|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/2018/australian-grand-prix/results/qualifying|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119232004/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/2018/australian-grand-prix/results/qualifying|url-status=live}} In his attempts to retake the position he ran wide multiple times and damaged his car, with a spin causing him to fall further down the order. He recovered to eventually finish the race in sixth place.{{Cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/135028/early-damage-a-factor-in-verstappen-spin|title=Early damage a factor in Max Verstappen's Australian GP spin|last1=Mitchell|first1=Scott|date=25 March 2018|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|last2=Cozens|first2=Jack|access-date=30 May 2018|archive-date=2 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702202827/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/135028/early-damage-a-factor-in-verstappen-spin|url-status=live}} At the next race in Bahrain, he crashed during qualifying and started in 15th place.{{Cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/red-bull-admits-foot-oscillation-caused-verstappen-bahrain-crash-5322006/5322006/|last1=Cooper|first1=Adam|title=Red Bull admits 'foot oscillation' caused Verstappen Bahrain crash|date=13 April 2018|website=Autosport|access-date=30 May 2018|archive-date=2 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702202828/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/red-bull-admits-foot-oscillation-caused-verstappen-bahrain-crash-5322006/5322006/|url-status=live}} He had a productive first lap after which he found himself in the points while challenging Lewis Hamilton. He attempted an overtake on the reigning World Champion at the start of lap two, but collided with the Mercedes driver and suffered a puncture that ultimately led to suspension damage, forcing him out of the race.{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12514/11316602/bahrain-gp-sebastian-vettel-holds-off-valtteri-bottas-for-victory|title=Bahrain GP: Sebastian Vettel holds off Valtteri Bottas for victory|last=Gill|first=Pete|date=9 April 2018|publisher=Sky Sports F1|access-date=30 May 2018|archive-date=13 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613092534/http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12514/11316602/bahrain-gp-sebastian-vettel-holds-off-valtteri-bottas-for-victory|url-status=live}}

At the next race in China, Verstappen qualified fifth and had moved up to third at the end of the first lap.{{Citation|title=2018 Chinese Grand Prix: Race Highlights| date=15 April 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiub1DnUnkg|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119232004/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiub1DnUnkg|url-status=live}} Both Red Bull drivers pitted for fresh tyres during a safety car which left them with a tyre advantage over the front-runners ahead. In an overtake attempt on Sebastian Vettel for third place, Verstappen collided with the championship leader, causing him to fall to eighth and receive a 10-second penalty.{{Citation|title=Verstappen Runs into Vettel {{!}} 2018 Chinese Grand Prix| date=15 April 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR3Ls5tcp5A|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013203419/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR3Ls5tcp5A|url-status=live}} He recovered to fourth place, with his penalty causing him to be classified fifth. Teammate Ricciardo went on to win the race.{{Cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/135405/ricciardo-wins-vettel-and-verstappen-collide|title=Chinese Grand Prix: Ricciardo wins, Verstappen and Vettel collide|last=Mitchell|first=Scott|date=15 April 2018|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|access-date=30 May 2018|archive-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416043910/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/135405/ricciardo-wins-vettel-and-verstappen-collide|url-status=live}} In Azerbaijan, Verstappen was embroiled in a race-long battle with Ricciardo for fourth place. After numerous position changes between the two teammates during the race, Ricciardo ran into the back of Verstappen during an overtake attempt from which the Dutchman aggressively defended, causing the retirement of both cars.{{citation|title=All The Angles: Ricciardo and Verstappen Crash {{!}} 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix| date=29 April 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36YFQTFzZwU|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013203426/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36YFQTFzZwU|url-status=live}} Both drivers were blamed by the team and reprimanded by the stewards.{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11352821/max-verstappen-daniel-ricciardo-reprimanded-for-all-red-bull-azerbaijan-gp-crash|title=Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo reprimanded for all-Red Bull Azerbaijan GP crash|last=Galloway|first=James|date=30 April 2018|publisher=Sky Sports F1|access-date=30 May 2018|archive-date=11 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180611131807/http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11352821/max-verstappen-daniel-ricciardo-reprimanded-for-all-red-bull-azerbaijan-gp-crash|url-status=live}} Verstappen bounced back in Spain with his first podium of the season by finishing third behind the Mercedes drivers, holding off Sebastian Vettel. However, the race was also not without incident as he had run into the back of Lance Stroll during the virtual safety car period, causing minor front wing damage.{{Cite news|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2018/5/winners-and-losers--spanish-grand-prix-edition.html|title=Winners and Losers – Spanish Grand Prix edition|date=14 May 2018|publisher=Formula One|access-date=30 May 2018|archive-date=14 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514153208/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/features/2018/5/winners-and-losers--spanish-grand-prix-edition.html|url-status=live}}

In Monaco, Verstappen made another error and crashed near the end of the third free practice session in an incident which closely resembled a crash he had at the same spot two years earlier.{{Cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136314/ricciardo-fastest-as-verstappen-crashes-in-fp3|title=Monaco GP F1 practice: Ricciardo fastest as Verstappen crashes in FP3|last=Mitchell|first=Scott|date=26 May 2018|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|access-date=30 May 2018|archive-date=16 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016081329/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136314/ricciardo-fastest-as-verstappen-crashes-in-fp3|url-status=live}} His team could not repair his car in time for qualifying and Verstappen had to start the race from the back of the grid.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/44267114|title=Monaco Grand Prix: Max Verstappen crash 'unnecessary', says Red Bull's Helmut Marko|last=Benson|first=Andrew|date=26 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=30 May 2018|archive-date=14 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614165357/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/44267114|url-status=live}} Verstappen did not compete and did not set a lap time in qualifying, therefore teammate Ricciardo pressed home Red Bull's advantage at the track by taking pole position and the race win. Verstappen managed to salvage two points by finishing ninth place, overtaking six cars on track.{{Cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136339/ricciardo-wins-monaco-gp-despite-car-problem|title=Monaco Grand Prix: Daniel Ricciardo wins despite car problem|last=Mitchell|first=Scott|date=27 May 2018|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|access-date=30 May 2018|archive-date=16 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016032724/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136339/ricciardo-wins-monaco-gp-despite-car-problem|url-status=live}} Team principal Christian Horner commented on Verstappen's start of the season, saying he "needed to stop making these mistakes" and that he could "learn from his teammate", while Helmut Marko, head of driver development at Red Bull, said that Verstappen was "too impatient". Verstappen now lay in sixth place in the championship with 35 points, only three points ahead of Fernando Alonso in the McLaren, and 37 points behind his teammate in third, who had taken two wins in the first six races.{{Cite news|last=Woolcock|first=Adam|date=15 April 2018|title=F1 2018: Daniel Ricciardo wins Chinese Grand Prix – as it happened|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2018/apr/15/formula-one-2018-chinese-grand-prix-live|access-date=19 January 2022|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=22 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422223322/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2018/apr/15/formula-one-2018-chinese-grand-prix-live|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=F1 REWIND: Watch Daniel Ricciardo's brilliant 2018 Monaco Grand Prix win|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.watch-live-join-our-stream-of-ricciardos-brilliant-2018-monaco-grand-prix.13UtM2BlgsaIn5QzBe6B4l.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=10 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310074110/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.watch-live-join-our-stream-of-ricciardos-brilliant-2018-monaco-grand-prix.13UtM2BlgsaIn5QzBe6B4l.html|url-status=live}}

In Canada, Verstappen topped all three practice sessions and qualified third, two-tenths off Sebastian Vettel in pole position.{{Cite web|title=F1 Results – 2018 Canadian Grand Prix|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/2018/canadian-grand-prix/results/qualifying|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119232005/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/2018/canadian-grand-prix/results/qualifying|url-status=live}} He eventually finished third and set the fastest lap of the race.{{Cite web|date=10 June 2018|title=Sebastian Vettel wins Canadian Grand Prix despite chequered flag mix-up|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jun/10/sebastian-vettel-wins-canadian-grand-prix-f1-championship-lewis-hamilton|access-date=19 January 2022|website=The Guardian|archive-date=16 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116233202/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jun/10/sebastian-vettel-wins-canadian-grand-prix-f1-championship-lewis-hamilton|url-status=live}} The following race in France brought him second place.{{Cite web|title=F1 Results – 2018 French Grand Prix|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/2018/french-grand-prix/results|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119232007/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/2018/french-grand-prix/results|url-status=live}} In Austria—Red Bull's home track, he started fourth on the grid, passed Kimi Räikkönen before taking advantage of retirement from Valtteri Bottas and a botched pit-stop strategy by Lewis Hamilton, who later had to retire from fourth place, to claim the fourth race victory of his career.{{Citation|title=2018 Austrian Grand Prix: Race Highlights| date=July 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNmfS9PSeYg|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119232005/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNmfS9PSeYg|url-status=live}} In Britain, Verstappen was plagued by issues, finishing the first practice session early due to a gearbox problem and crashing in the second practice session before retiring from the race due to a brake problem.{{Cite web|date=8 July 2018|title=F1: The reason Max Verstappen spun then retired from the British GP|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-the-reason-max-verstappen-spun-then-retired-from-the-british-gp/news-story/bf90c9db2308a1b68936d240a7549c95|access-date=19 January 2022|work=Fox Sports|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119232005/https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-the-reason-max-verstappen-spun-then-retired-from-the-british-gp/news-story/bf90c9db2308a1b68936d240a7549c95|url-status=live}} He would then finish fourth in Germany after strategy errors let a recovering Hamilton get past him as he went on to win the race.{{Citation|title=2018 German Grand Prix: Race Highlights| date=22 July 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp-i8vtgzJE|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013203408/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp-i8vtgzJE|url-status=live}} Verstappen ended the first half of the season with a retirement in Hungary and was narrowly behind his teammate in the championship due to his own recent resurgence and Ricciardo's unreliability.{{Cite web|title=Ricciardo: 'Weird' reliability inexplicable|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-weird-reliability-inexplicable/3202443/|access-date=19 January 2022|website=Motorsport.com|date=26 October 2018 |archive-date=24 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424225311/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-weird-reliability-inexplicable/3202443/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=RACE: Verstappen retires early in Hungary|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.race-verstappen-retires-early-in-hungary.6060943592001.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=10 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310022859/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.race-verstappen-retires-early-in-hungary.6060943592001.html|url-status=live}}

Verstappen enjoyed a very strong second half of the season, achieving podium finishes in Belgium, Singapore, Japan and the United States, the latter of which he achieved second place having started from 18th on the grid due to a suspension failure in qualifying.{{Citation|title=2018 United States Grand Prix: Race Highlights| date=21 October 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNwPpqaLE60|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119232524/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNwPpqaLE60|url-status=live}} Following the qualifying session at the Mexican Grand Prix, Verstappen revealed that a mechanical problem with his Red Bull under braking cost him any chance of becoming the youngest-ever Formula One pole-sitter. As a result, Ricciardo beat Verstappen to pole position by just 0.026 seconds.{{Citation|title=2018 Mexican Grand Prix: Qualifying Highlights| date=27 October 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVTDYyXP7E0|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119233750/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVTDYyXP7E0|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Max Verstappen unhappy after missing out on history-making pole position|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11533294/max-verstappen-unhappy-after-missing-out-on-history-making-pole-position|access-date=12 February 2022|publisher=Sky Sports |archive-date=12 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212120158/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11533294/max-verstappen-unhappy-after-missing-out-on-history-making-pole-position|url-status=live}} Verstappen had a better start than Ricciardo and took the lead of the race into the first corner, overtaking the fast-starting Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen earned his fifth career win in Mexico.{{Citation|title=2018 Mexican Grand Prix: Race Highlights| date=28 October 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1-VK12FZhs|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119233748/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1-VK12FZhs|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Mexican Grand Prix 2018 report – Verstappen wins in Mexico as Hamilton takes fifth title|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-2018-mexican-grand-prix-report.43bcuMZV3i8yk2a8kQw06w.html|access-date=17 February 2022|publisher=Formula One |archive-date=29 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029014936/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-2018-mexican-grand-prix-report.43bcuMZV3i8yk2a8kQw06w.html|url-status=live}} He was poised to win the 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix, having overtaken Räikkönen, Vettel, Bottas, and Hamilton. However, he collided with Force India driver Esteban Ocon who was trying to unlap himself on faster tyres.{{Citation|title=Verstappen And Ocon Collide {{!}} 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix| date=12 November 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LSAaVq4Dsw|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119233744/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LSAaVq4Dsw|url-status=live}} Ocon received a 10-second stop-and-go penalty for the incident. After the collision with Ocon, Verstappen finished in second place behind Hamilton. During an argument with Ocon after the race, Verstappen pushed the Force India driver, for which he was given two days of "public service" as a penalty by the FIA.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/139986/verstappen-given-public-service-for-ocon-shove|title=FIA gives Max Verstappen 'public service' for Esteban Ocon shove|last=Freeman|first=Glenn|website=Autosport|access-date=12 November 2018|archive-date=11 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111214724/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/139986/verstappen-given-public-service-for-ocon-shove|url-status=live}} He then finished his season with another podium as he finished third in Abu Dhabi.{{cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2018/races/999/abu-dhabi/race-result.html |title=Formula 1 2018 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Race Result |publisher=Formula One |date=25 November 2018 |access-date=25 November 2018 |archive-date=13 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113155249/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2018/races/999/abu-dhabi/race-result.html |url-status=live}}

Verstappen ended the season in fourth place in the championship with 249 points, claiming two wins, eleven podium finishes, and two fastest laps.{{cite web|title=Max Verstappen in 2018|url=https://www.racing-statistics.com/en/drivers/compare/max-verstappen/seasons/2018|access-date=19 December 2021|website=Formula 1 Statistics|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219093227/https://www.racing-statistics.com/en/drivers/compare/max-verstappen/seasons/2018|url-status=live}}

==2019–2020: Dominance over teammates==

File:Max Verstappen during Hungarian Formula 1 GP.jpg, where he started on pole position for the first time in his career]]

In 2019 Red Bull switched from Renault to Honda power units.{{Cite web|title=Red Bull agree deal to run Honda engine technology until 2025|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-red-bull-agree-deal-to-run-honda-engine-technology-until-2025.3wmTSMrtsv6miuwqApz8IT.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=15 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215215037/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-red-bull-agree-deal-to-run-honda-engine-technology-until-2025.3wmTSMrtsv6miuwqApz8IT.html|url-status=live}} After Ricciardo moved to the Renault team for 2019, Verstappen was joined at Red Bull by Pierre Gasly.{{Cite web|title=Pierre Gasly joins Red Bull for 2019|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11477951/pierre-gasly-joins-red-bull-for-f1-2019|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Sky Sports|archive-date=5 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305224221/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11477951/pierre-gasly-joins-red-bull-for-f1-2019|url-status=live}} Verstappen qualified in fourth and finished third in Australia, the first podium finish for a Honda-powered driver since the 2008 British Grand Prix.{{Cite web|date=17 March 2019|title=F1 Australian Grand Prix 2019: Max Verstappen sends ominous Red Bull message after Honda milestone|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-australian-grand-prix-2019-max-verstappen-race-results-red-bull-honda-renault-video-latest-news/news-story/9d6d29140487e11eacfa8296e1f95f22|access-date=11 October 2021|work=Fox Sports|archive-date=28 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028172923/https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-australian-grand-prix-2019-max-verstappen-race-results-red-bull-honda-renault-video-latest-news/news-story/9d6d29140487e11eacfa8296e1f95f22|url-status=live}} Verstappen was on course for a second third-place finish in Bahrain before a late safety car prevented him from overtaking Charles Leclerc's ailing Ferrari, keeping him in fourth place.{{Citation|title=2019 Bahrain Grand Prix: Race Highlights| date=31 March 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VjWY--QdMA|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=24 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424225323/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VjWY--QdMA|url-status=live}} Two more fourth-place finishes followed in China and Azerbaijan, and a podium in Spain in third place.{{Cite web|title=F1 Results – 2019 Spanish Grand Prix|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/2019/spanish-grand-prix/results|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=24 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424225314/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/2019/spanish-grand-prix/results|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=F1 Results – 2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/2019/azerbaijan-grand-prix/results/race|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=24 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424225311/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/2019/azerbaijan-grand-prix/results/race|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=F1 Results – 2019 Chinese Grand Prix|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/2019/chinese-grand-prix/results|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013203417/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/2019/chinese-grand-prix/results|url-status=live}} In Monaco, Verstappen qualified in third place. He was released into the path of Valtteri Bottas during the drivers' pit stops, gaining second place but receiving a 5-second penalty as a result. Verstappen crossed the line in second place but was demoted to fourth by the penalty.{{Cite web|date=26 May 2019|title=Verstappen given penalty points for failing to avoid contact · RaceFans|url=https://www.racefans.net/2019/05/26/verstappen-given-penalty-points-for-failing-to-avoid-contact/|access-date=11 October 2021|website=RaceFans|archive-date=23 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023170821/https://www.racefans.net/2019/05/26/verstappen-given-penalty-points-for-failing-to-avoid-contact/|url-status=live}}

In Canada, Verstappen's final lap in the second qualifying session was hampered by a red flag brought out by Kevin Magnussen's crash. This caused Verstappen to qualify 11th and start the race in ninth place.{{Cite web|date=8 June 2019|title=F1 Canadian Grand Prix 2019 qualifying results: Daniel Ricciardo stuns with best result since October as Sebastian Vettel snatches pole|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-canadian-grand-prix-2019-live-qualifying-results-timings-daniel-ricciardo-renault-lewis-hamilton-timesheets-updates-blog/news-story/95ac6b8933fff5af9a310a512de60366|url-status=live|access-date=11 January 2022|work=Fox Sports|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111041408/https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-canadian-grand-prix-2019-live-qualifying-results-timings-daniel-ricciardo-renault-lewis-hamilton-timesheets-updates-blog/news-story/95ac6b8933fff5af9a310a512de60366}}{{Cite web|last=Fair|first=Asher|date=9 June 2019|title=Formula 1: Provisional starting grid for 2019 Canadian Grand Prix|url=https://beyondtheflag.com/2019/06/09/formula-1-provisional-starting-grid-2019-canadian-grand-prix/|url-status=live|access-date=11 January 2022|website=Beyond the Flag|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111041417/https://beyondtheflag.com/2019/06/09/formula-1-provisional-starting-grid-2019-canadian-grand-prix/}} He later recovered to finish fifth.{{Cite web|last=Richards|first=Giles|date=9 June 2019|title=Lewis Hamilton handed Canadian Grand Prix win after Vettel's penalty pain|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jun/09/lewis-hamilton-canadian-grand-prix-vettel-penalty|url-status=live|access-date=11 January 2022|website=The Guardian|archive-date=5 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105160525/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jun/09/lewis-hamilton-canadian-grand-prix-vettel-penalty}} In France he started and finished in fourth place.{{Cite web|title=French Grand Prix 2019 – F1 Race|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2019/France.html|url-status=live|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=28 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028202800/https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2019/France.html}} In Austria, Verstappen started third but suffered a poor start, dropping down to eighth. After a charge towards the front, he made his way up to second before controversially passing Leclerc for the lead of the race with three laps to go.{{Citation|title=Verstappen's Stunning Fightback {{!}} 2019 Austrian Grand Prix| date=30 June 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV0G1zN8kJU|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013203250/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV0G1zN8kJU|url-status=live}} This marked the first Honda-powered race victory since the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix.{{Cite news|last1=McVeigh (earlier)|first1=Niall|last2=Unwin (now)|first2=Will|date=30 June 2019|title=F1: Verstappen's win stands after Austrian Grand Prix stewards inquiry – as it happened|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2019/jun/30/f1-formula-one-austrian-grand-prix-live|access-date=11 January 2022|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111041738/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2019/jun/30/f1-formula-one-austrian-grand-prix-live|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=1 July 2019|title=Honda hails new beginning after first F1 win since 2006|url=https://www.autoblog.com/2019/07/01/honda-hail-new-beginning-after-first-f1-win-since-2006/|url-status=live|access-date=11 January 2022|website=Autoblog|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013203242/https://www.autoblog.com/2019/07/01/honda-hail-new-beginning-after-first-f1-win-since-2006/}} In Britain, Verstappen, running in third place,{{Cite web|last=Simpson|first=Christopher|date=12 July 2019|title=F1 British Grand Prix 2019 Qualifying: Results, Times from Friday's Practice|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2845285-british-f1-grand-prix-2019-qualifying-results-times-from-fridays-practice|url-status=live|access-date=11 January 2022|website=Bleacher Report|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013203242/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2845285-british-f1-grand-prix-2019-qualifying-results-times-from-fridays-practice}} was hit from behind during an overtake attempt by Sebastian Vettel and spun into the gravel. Verstappen was able to continue and crossed the line in fifth place.{{Cite web|date=14 July 2019|title=British Grand Prix 2019 race report: Hamilton victorious as Verstappen and Vettel collide in Silverstone thriller|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-victorious-as-verstappen-and-vettel-collide-in-silverstone.3yHjP4nXKPkt4HYJQ7Bagt.html|url-status=live|access-date=11 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=14 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714153942/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-victorious-as-verstappen-and-vettel-collide-in-silverstone.3yHjP4nXKPkt4HYJQ7Bagt.html}}

The wet and chaotic German Grand Prix began similarly to the race in Austria for Verstappen, as a poor start caused him to fall behind. However, he would inherit the lead midway through the race after a crash by race leader Hamilton.{{Citation|title=2019 German Grand Prix: Race Highlights| date=28 July 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYHQmBULhLc|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119235641/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYHQmBULhLc|url-status=live}} Verstappen would go on to extend his lead after the track began to dry, claiming his second victory of the season.{{Cite web|last=Richards|first=Giles|date=28 July 2019|title=Max Verstappen wins thrilling German GP after Lewis Hamilton error|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jul/28/max-verstappen-wins-german-grand-prix-hamilton-error|url-status=live|access-date=29 December 2021|website=The Guardian|archive-date=15 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115040807/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jul/28/max-verstappen-wins-german-grand-prix-hamilton-error}} In Hungary, he claimed the first pole position of his career and led most of the race before being passed in the closing laps by Hamilton, who had made another stop for fresh tyres in a gamble to catch the leader.{{Cite web|date=4 August 2019|title=Hungarian Grand Prix 2019 F1 race report: Hamilton brilliantly hunts down Verstappen to snatch Hungary victory|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-brilliantly-hunts-down-verstappen-to-snatch-hungary-victory.4QPgPYGdCXqeEirMjUEhZU.html|url-status=live|access-date=29 December 2021|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229031344/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-brilliantly-hunts-down-verstappen-to-snatch-hungary-victory.4QPgPYGdCXqeEirMjUEhZU.html}}{{Cite web|title=Verstappen takes maiden career pole in thrilling Hungary qualifying|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-takes-maiden-career-pole-in-thrilling-hungary-qualifying.5AABsomaDmZaBusQxjCZuP.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=18 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118131304/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-takes-maiden-career-pole-in-thrilling-hungary-qualifying.5AABsomaDmZaBusQxjCZuP.html|url-status=live}}

File:Fórmula 1 – Grande Prêmio do Brasil de F1 2019 (49080565726).jpg]]

Before the Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen received a new teammate in Alexander Albon after Pierre Gasly was demoted back to Toro Rosso.{{Cite web|title=Albon to replace Gasly at Red Bull from Belgium|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.albon-to-replace-gasly-at-red-bull-from-belgium.5f9BkwxuJ5TF86EPKqqwJa.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=24 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224174052/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.albon-to-replace-gasly-at-red-bull-from-belgium.5f9BkwxuJ5TF86EPKqqwJa.html|url-status=live}} In the race, Verstappen had a poor start and collided with Kimi Räikkönen at the first corner, resulting in suspension damage and causing Verstappen's first retirement of the season.{{Cite web|title=Verstappen and Raikkonen bemoan first-lap clash|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-and-raikkonen-bemoan-first-lap-clash.4LEpXoR5Ha6QXl9xd2Ovty.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=3 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903173008/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-and-raikkonen-bemoan-first-lap-clash.4LEpXoR5Ha6QXl9xd2Ovty.html|url-status=live}} In Italy, he did not set a time during qualifying after his car lost power in Q1, but he was already required to start from the back of the grid due to an engine component penalty.{{Cite web|last=Media|first=P. A.|date=4 September 2019|title=Penalty shunts Max Verstappen to back of F1 grid for Italian Grand Prix|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/sep/04/max-verstappen-engine-penalty-monza-italian-grand-prix-back-grid|access-date=19 January 2022|website=The Guardian|archive-date=24 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424225312/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/sep/04/max-verstappen-engine-penalty-monza-italian-grand-prix-back-grid|url-status=live}} After damaging his front wing on the first lap, he recovered to finish the race in eighth place.{{Citation|title=2019 Italian Grand Prix: Race Highlights| date=8 September 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-ce3gPMsGc|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=3 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303104046/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-ce3gPMsGc&app=desktop|url-status=live}} Third and fourth-place finishes followed in Singapore and Russia respectively.{{Cite web|title=Singapore Grand Prix 2019 – F1 Race|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2019/Singapore.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111192803/https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2019/Singapore.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=F1 Results – 2019 Russian Grand Prix|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/2019/russian-grand-prix/results|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=24 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424225311/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/2019/russian-grand-prix/results|url-status=live}} After suffering damage in a first-lap collision with Charles Leclerc in Japan, Verstappen suffered his second retirement of the season.{{Cite web|title=Japanese Grand Prix 2019: Verstappen blasts 'irresponsible' Leclerc after Lap 1 contact|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-blasts-irresponsible-leclerc-after-lap-1-contact.4yO6ylOGvL0uzhJZ98myCz.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=24 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424225325/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-blasts-irresponsible-leclerc-after-lap-1-contact.4yO6ylOGvL0uzhJZ98myCz.html|url-status=live}}

In Mexico, he qualified in first place after setting the fastest lap-time of the session, before being handed a grid penalty for ignoring yellow flags after a crash by Valtteri Bottas.{{Cite web|title=Mexican Grand Prix 2019 qualifying report: Verstappen takes sensational Mexican pole as Bottas crashes|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-takes-sensational-mexican-pole-as-bottas-suffers-big-crash.2iQWb1vLhcfSRBothUZyzd.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=28 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028220105/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-takes-sensational-mexican-pole-as-bottas-suffers-big-crash.2iQWb1vLhcfSRBothUZyzd.html|url-status=live}} Verstappen suffered a puncture early in the race after making contact with Bottas, falling to the back of the field before eventually recovering to sixth place.{{Cite web|date=27 October 2019|title=Mexican Grand Prix 2019 report & highlights: Hamilton closes in on title with supreme Mexico victory|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mexican-grand-prix-2019-report-and-highlights.2GCUEuCYRquG0pcZeGZuYz.html|url-status=live|access-date=29 December 2021|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=28 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028191133/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mexican-grand-prix-2019-report-and-highlights.2GCUEuCYRquG0pcZeGZuYz.html}} A third-place finish in the United States followed, before Verstappen took the second pole position of his career with a 1:07.508 pole lap time in Brazil.{{Cite web|title=United States Grand Prix 2019 – F1 Race|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2019/United_States.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=13 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913021847/https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2019/United_States.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Brazilian Grand Prix 2019 qualifying report: Brazilian Grand Prix report: Verstappen snatches sensational Interlagos pole|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-snatches-sensational-interlagos-pole.6QOPSwc0ZAKtVuAsXoaoDI.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=12 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112034257/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-snatches-sensational-interlagos-pole.6QOPSwc0ZAKtVuAsXoaoDI.html|url-status=live}} In a chaotic race, he passed Lewis Hamilton for the lead on two occasions before going on to claim his third victory of the season.{{Citation|title=2019 Brazilian Grand Prix: Race Highlights| date=17 November 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WZeoOkMf0Y|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=24 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424225323/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WZeoOkMf0Y|url-status=live}} Verstappen ended the season with a second-place finish in Abu Dhabi.{{Cite web|title=Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2019 race report and highlights: Hamilton rounds off title-winning season with dominant Abu Dhabi win|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.abu-dhabi-grand-prix-2019-race-report-highlights.3W60C6jaqAMKYqcblkhGqg.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=2 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202061826/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.abu-dhabi-grand-prix-2019-race-report-highlights.3W60C6jaqAMKYqcblkhGqg.html|url-status=live}}

Verstappen finished the 2019 season in third place in the championship with 278 points. He claimed three race victories, nine podium finishes, two pole positions, and three fastest laps.{{Cite web|title=Max Verstappen in 2019|url=https://www.racing-statistics.com/en/drivers/compare/max-verstappen/seasons/2019|access-date=19 December 2021|website=Formula 1 Statistics|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219094726/https://www.racing-statistics.com/en/drivers/compare/max-verstappen/seasons/2019|url-status=live}}

File:Max Verstappen, 2020 pre-season testing.jpg]]

Verstappen continued to race for Red Bull in {{F1|2020}}, alongside Albon. At the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix, he started second, but retired early in the race after a flywheel-related problem caused an electronic issue within the power unit.{{Cite web|date=10 July 2020|title=Albon's DNF likely caused by Hamilton clash, not Honda fault|url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/albons-dnf-likely-caused-by-hamilton-clash-not-honda-fault/|access-date=21 July 2020|website=The Race|archive-date=21 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721123813/https://the-race.com/formula-1/albons-dnf-likely-caused-by-hamilton-clash-not-honda-fault/|url-status=live}} Honda introduced countermeasures in response to the retirement.{{Cite web|date=9 July 2020|title=Red Bull, Honda have countermeasures for engine issues|url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/honda-has-countermeasures-for-red-bulls-engine-issues/|access-date=21 July 2020|website=The Race|archive-date=21 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721123808/https://the-race.com/formula-1/honda-has-countermeasures-for-red-bulls-engine-issues/|url-status=live}}

At the 2020 Hungarian Grand Prix, he crashed in wet conditions during the formation lap while he was on his way to the starting grid,{{Citation|title=Max Verstappen Crashes On Way To Grid {{!}} 2020 Hungarian Grand Prix| date=19 July 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-HpHDpeF8E|access-date=20 January 2022|archive-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120003458/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-HpHDpeF8E|url-status=live}} but he was able to drive the car back to the grid where his mechanics fixed the suspension of the car in the short time that was left before the start of the race.{{Citation|title=INSIDE STORY: How Red Bull Performed a Mechanical Miracle in Hungary| date=15 January 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGwm1QmwN9s|access-date=20 January 2022|archive-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120003454/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGwm1QmwN9s|url-status=live}} After the repairs, Verstappen progressed from seventh place on the grid to second place by the end of the race.{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.second-feels-like-a-win-says-verstappen-as-he-recovers-from-pre-race-crash.5rbSAYCw1F215d1dlFvW8A.html|title='Second feels like a win' says Verstappen as he recovers from pre-race crash to podium|publisher=Formula One|access-date=21 July 2020|archive-date=20 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720204302/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.second-feels-like-a-win-says-verstappen-as-he-recovers-from-pre-race-crash.5rbSAYCw1F215d1dlFvW8A.html|url-status=live}} Verstappen won the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone, having started from fourth.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/aug/09/f1-max-verstappen-70th-anniversary-grand-prix-lewis-hamilton|title=Max Verstappen roars to spectacular victory in 70th Anniversary Grand Prix|author=Giles Richards|date=9 August 2020|publisher=The Guardian, London|access-date=9 August 2020|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809153202/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/aug/09/f1-max-verstappen-70th-anniversary-grand-prix-lewis-hamilton|url-status=live}}

Verstappen clinched second place at the Spanish Grand Prix, after qualifying in third.{{Cite web|title=Spanish Grand Prix 2020 – F1 Race|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2020/Spain.html|url-status=live|access-date=20 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=11 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111012227/https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2020/Spain.html}} At the 2020 Belgian Grand Prix, he scored a podium in third place, following his third place on the starting grid.{{Cite web|title=Belgian Grand Prix 2020 – F1 Race|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2020/Belgium.html|url-status=live|access-date=20 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119083704/https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2020/Belgium.html}} He suffered from two consecutive DNFs at the Italian and Tuscan Grands Prix after which he lost second place in the Championship.{{Citation|title=2020 Italian Grand Prix: Race Highlights| date=6 September 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB5yhZdF8SI|access-date=20 January 2022|archive-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120003452/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB5yhZdF8SI|url-status=live}}{{Citation|title=2020 Tuscan Grand Prix: Race Highlights| date=13 September 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Yq1AlIwsc|access-date=20 January 2022|archive-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120003456/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Yq1AlIwsc|url-status=live}} At the Russian Grand Prix, Verstappen finished the race in second, his seventh podium finish of 2020.{{Cite web|title=Russian Grand Prix 2020 – F1 Race|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2020/Russia.html|url-status=live|access-date=20 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119083834/https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2020/Russia.html}} At the Eifel Grand Prix, Verstappen finished in second after qualifying in third.{{Cite web|title=Eifel Grand Prix 2020 – German F1 Race|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2020/Germany.html|access-date=20 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119083909/https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2020/Germany.html|url-status=live}} He also managed to get the fastest lap of the race.{{Citation|title=Verstappen's Nurburgring Lap Record: Fastest Lap {{!}} 2020 Eifel Grand Prix {{!}} DHL| date=12 October 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TRkAjsB7MA|access-date=20 January 2022|archive-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120003500/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TRkAjsB7MA|url-status=live}} At the Portuguese Grand Prix, Verstappen qualified third, however a poor first lap meant that he dropped back down the order to fifth place. He recovered to third and took his 40th podium in Formula 1.{{Citation|title=2020 Portuguese Grand Prix: Race Highlights| date=25 October 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ8du5ysxTI|access-date=20 January 2022|archive-date=25 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225143139/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ8du5ysxTI|url-status=live}} At the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Verstappen looked set to claim second due to Valtteri Bottas' ailing Mercedes slowing down, but a sudden puncture denied him any chance of a podium finish; Verstappen spun, resulting in his fourth retirement of the 2020 season.{{Citation|title=Verstappen Crashes Out of Podium Position After Right Rear Failure| date=November 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYcA_ivpSxE|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013203414/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYcA_ivpSxE|url-status=live}}

During Free Practice for the Portuguese Grand Prix, Verstappen was criticised for comments he made on the team radio after a collision with Lance Stroll, where he used the words "retard" and "mongol" in response to the clash. Verstappen admitted following the session that the word choices he used were "not correct". The Mongolian government and the Mongol identity asked Verstappen to apologise for the comments; the Mongolian government also urged the FIA to take action on the comments he made.{{cite web |last=Cooper |first=Adam |title=Portimao radio comments 'not correct', says Verstappen |website=Motorsport.com |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/verstappen-radio-outburst-portugal-stroll/4901418/ |date=30 October 2020 |access-date=12 November 2020 |archive-date=1 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101033201/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/verstappen-radio-outburst-portugal-stroll/4901418/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Boxall-Legge |first=Jake |title=Mongolian government wants FIA to act on Verstappen comments |website=Motorsport.com |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mongolia-foreign-minister-letter-verstappen-comments/4901947/ |date=31 October 2020 |access-date=12 November 2020 |archive-date=10 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110110951/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mongolia-foreign-minister-letter-verstappen-comments/4901947/ |url-status=live}}

Verstappen finished the 2020 season in third place in the championship with 214 points. He claimed two race victories, eleven podium finishes, one pole position, and three fastest laps.{{Cite web|title=Max Verstappen in 2020|url=https://www.racing-statistics.com/en/drivers/compare/max-verstappen/seasons/2020|access-date=19 December 2021|website=Formula 1 Statistics|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219094724/https://www.racing-statistics.com/en/drivers/compare/max-verstappen/seasons/2020|url-status=live}}

==2021: World Champion amid title battle vs. Hamilton==

File:FIA F1 Austria 2021 Nr. 33 Verstappen.jpg

At the Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen topped all the practice sessions and subsequently took a career fourth pole position. This was the first time he achieved back-to-back pole positions.{{Cite news|title=Max Verstappen takes pole position in F1 Bahrain Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo sixth|date=27 March 2021|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-28/max-verstappen-takes-pole-position-in-f1-bahrain-grand-prix/100033884|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=30 March 2021|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330114816/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-28/max-verstappen-takes-pole-position-in-f1-bahrain-grand-prix/100033884|url-status=live}} He fought Lewis Hamilton for the race victory, and on lap 53 Verstappen overtook Hamilton, but went off track whilst doing so, resulting in him being instructed by race control to let Hamilton back into the lead and ultimately finishing second behind Hamilton.{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.it-is-what-it-is-verstappen-philosophical-about-surrendering-lead-to.1etBIWyqgV0mdhLUCGjqyJ.html|title='It is what it is' – Verstappen philosophical about surrendering lead to Hamilton following off-track pass|publisher=Formula One|access-date=30 March 2021|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330120727/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.it-is-what-it-is-verstappen-philosophical-about-surrendering-lead-to.1etBIWyqgV0mdhLUCGjqyJ.html|url-status=live}} At the next race, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Verstappen qualified third with teammate Sergio Pérez second, marking the first time he was out-qualified by a teammate since the 2019 Italian Grand Prix.{{Cite web|title='We're not robots' – Verstappen on 'messy' Q3 that led to being out-qualified by a team mate for first time since 2018|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.were-not-robots-verstappen-on-messy-q3-that-led-to-being-out-qualified-by-a.a7GbWPG2MnJEtyXOmP1x6.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=20 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020100943/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.were-not-robots-verstappen-on-messy-q3-that-led-to-being-out-qualified-by-a.a7GbWPG2MnJEtyXOmP1x6.html|url-status=live}} At the race start, Verstappen was able to pass both Pérez and pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton to take the lead. He remained in the lead after the first round of pit stops as well as the restart, following the race being suspended on lap 33. Rival Hamilton finished second, reducing his championship lead over Verstappen to one point.{{Citation|title=Race Highlights {{!}} 2021 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix| date=18 April 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds0BC8RDJ5o|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013203252/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds0BC8RDJ5o|url-status=live}} In the following Portuguese Grand Prix, Verstappen finished second after a long battle with Lewis Hamilton.{{Citation|title=Race Highlights {{!}} 2021 Portuguese Grand Prix| date=2 May 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9-8gvYantk|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=24 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424225321/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9-8gvYantk|url-status=live}} At the Spanish Grand Prix, the battle between Verstappen and Hamilton continued, with Hamilton employing a faster two-stop strategy versus Verstappen's one-stop race. This provided Hamilton the advantage of faster tyres, allowing him to overtake Verstappen with several laps remaining in the race. Hamilton took the victory, with Verstappen taking second and the fastest lap, increasing Hamilton's championship lead to 14 points.{{Cite web|title=2021 Spanish Grand Prix race report and highlights: Late pass secures Hamilton victory in Spain after race-long battle with Verstappen|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.late-pass-secures-hamilton-victory-in-spain-after-race-long-battle-with.5xOxaR8dsRf8zn11GGd8dN.html|access-date=18 May 2021|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509175353/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.late-pass-secures-hamilton-victory-in-spain-after-race-long-battle-with.5xOxaR8dsRf8zn11GGd8dN.html|url-status=live}}

At the next race in Monaco, Verstappen qualified second behind Charles Leclerc,{{Cite web|title=2021 Monaco GP Qualifying: Verstappen rages at Leclerc crash red flags|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.2021-monaco-gp-qualifying-verstappen-rages-at-leclerc-crash-red-flags.1700470908172196475.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=10 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310032538/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.2021-monaco-gp-qualifying-verstappen-rages-at-leclerc-crash-red-flags.1700470908172196475.html|url-status=live}} but Leclerc suffered a driveshaft failure on the way to the grid and was unable to start the race. Verstappen controlled the race from the front on the way to victory. Hamilton (who qualified seventh) finished seventh, though claiming an extra championship point by setting the fastest race lap. The result enabled Verstappen to take the lead in the Drivers' Championship for the first time in his career, by a margin of four points over Hamilton.{{cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |title=Monaco Grand Prix: Max Verstappen takes title lead from Lewis Hamilton with win |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 May 2021 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/57220586 |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523152235/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/57220586 |url-status=live}} At the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Verstappen qualified third behind Leclerc and Hamilton.{{Cite web|title=Verstappen curses 'stupid' qualifying session in Baku as he loses another chance of pole to red flag|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-curses-stupid-qualifying-in-baku-as-he-loses-another-chance-of.71o8PO388LO4nTLXqmE0SC.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=25 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125074130/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-curses-stupid-qualifying-in-baku-as-he-loses-another-chance-of.71o8PO388LO4nTLXqmE0SC.html|url-status=live}} Verstappen and Hamilton passed Leclerc in the opening laps before Verstappen took the lead by way of a faster pitstop. Verstappen would comfortably hold the lead until lap 46 when he suffered a tyre failure causing him to crash at high speed and retire.{{Citation|title=Verstappen Crashes Out of Lead After Left Rear Failure {{!}} 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix| date=6 June 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgAinVHFwls|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=28 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128103451/https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=32&v=mgAinVHFwls&feature=youtu.be|url-status=live}} A mistake by Hamilton on the restart dropped him to last place, meaning Verstappen maintained his championship lead.{{Cite web|title=2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix race report and highlights: Perez beats Vettel to Baku victory after Verstappen crashes out from lead late on|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.perez-beats-vettel-to-baku-victory-after-verstappen-crashes-out-from-lead.aLIxuNGxwBFgZ4Z8OhuRw.html|access-date=29 June 2021|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=10 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610172247/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.perez-beats-vettel-to-baku-victory-after-verstappen-crashes-out-from-lead.aLIxuNGxwBFgZ4Z8OhuRw.html|url-status=live}} Verstappen took pole for the French Grand Prix.{{Citation|title=Max Verstappen's Onboard Pole Lap {{!}} 2021 French Grand Prix| date=19 June 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq5-tSxKIcE|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=10 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310191135/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq5-tSxKIcE|url-status=live}} Verstappen's mistake on the first lap allowed Hamilton to take the lead which Verstappen retook during the pit stop phase. Verstappen pitted for a second time from the lead and set after the Mercedes duo, overtaking Hamilton for the lead on lap 52 of 53.{{Citation|title=How Max Verstappen Fought Back To Beat Lewis Hamilton I 2021 French Grand Prix| date=21 June 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_Ty1fYKGkQ|access-date=20 January 2022|archive-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120011131/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_Ty1fYKGkQ|url-status=live}} He also took the fastest lap point, extending his championship lead to twelve points{{Cite web|title=2021 French Grand Prix race report & highlights: Verstappen triumphs over Hamilton after late pass in scintillating French Grand Prix|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-triumphs-over-hamilton-after-late-pass-in-scintillating-french.22o4zqXsOtjAcFiaBxva2q.html|access-date=29 June 2021|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=21 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621004259/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-triumphs-over-hamilton-after-late-pass-in-scintillating-french.22o4zqXsOtjAcFiaBxva2q.html|url-status=live}} and achieving the first hat-trick of his career.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.french-gp-facts-and-stats-verstappens-first-f1-hat-trick-and-a-special.5RdIdqVagUjxZf5rQ3VASt.html|title=French GP Facts & Stats: Verstappen's first F1 hat-trick, and a special podium for Perez|first=Sean|last=Kelly|date=20 June 2021|publisher=Formula One|access-date=7 July 2022|archive-date=21 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621003951/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.french-gp-facts-and-stats-verstappens-first-f1-hat-trick-and-a-special.5RdIdqVagUjxZf5rQ3VASt.html|url-status=live}} Verstappen clinched pole position again at the Styrian Grand Prix and led the race from start to finish, to give him his fourth win of the season and further extend his lead to 18 points.{{cite web |url=https://www.sportstiger.com/max-verstappen-wins-styrian-gp-2021-beats-lewis-hamilton-and-valtteri-bottas-in-austria/ |title=Max Verstappen wins Styrian GP 2021; beats Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas in Austria |work=SportsTiger |date=27 June 2021 |access-date=27 June 2021 |archive-date=27 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627144914/https://www.sportstiger.com/max-verstappen-wins-styrian-gp-2021-beats-lewis-hamilton-and-valtteri-bottas-in-austria/ |url-status=live}}

Verstappen took pole position at the Austrian Grand Prix, led every lap from start to finish, set the fastest lap, and won the race for his first career grand slam,{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-waltzes-to-second-win-in-a-row-at-red-bull-ring-as-bottas-beats.31KpLIZDzipY9FhputWqf7.html|title=Verstappen waltzes to second win in a row at Red Bull Ring, as Bottas beats Norris to P2|date=4 July 2021|access-date=19 June 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=30 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130235934/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-waltzes-to-second-win-in-a-row-at-red-bull-ring-as-bottas-beats.31KpLIZDzipY9FhputWqf7.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=4 July 2021|title=F1 – Verstappen extends title lead with Austrian Grand Prix grand slam as Hamilton finishes fourth|url=https://www.fia.com/news/f1-verstappen-extends-title-lead-austrian-grand-prix-grand-slam-hamilton-finishes-fourth|access-date=4 July 2021|website=Federation Internationale de l'Automobile|archive-date=4 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704160816/https://www.fia.com/news/f1-verstappen-extends-title-lead-austrian-grand-prix-grand-slam-hamilton-finishes-fourth|url-status=live}} being the youngest to do so.{{Cite web|last=Aggarwal|first=Abhay|date=15 July 2021|title=What Is a Grand Slam in F1?|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-what-is-a-grand-slam-in-f1/|url-status=live|access-date=17 July 2021|website=EssentiallySports|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717162011/https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-what-is-a-grand-slam-in-f1/}} With the win, Verstappen also became the first driver to win three races in three consecutive weekends, starting at the French Grand Prix on 20 June, then the Styrian Grand Prix on 27 June and ending with the Austrian Grand Prix on 4 July.{{Cite web|year=2021|title=Verstappen has little interest in the grand slam: 'As long as we win'|url=https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/88345/verstappen-has-little-interest-in-the-grand-slam-as-long-as-we-win.html|url-status=live|access-date=4 July 2021|website=gpblog.com|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709191340/https://www.gpblog.com/en/amp/88345/verstappen-has-little-interest-in-the-grand-slam-as-long-as-we-win}}{{Cite web|date=4 July 2021|title=Austrian GP: Post-Race reaction from Max, Perez and Horner|url=https://www.bleachersnews.com/austrian-gp-post-race-reaction-from-max-perez-and-horner/|access-date=4 July 2021|website=Bleachers News|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709213140/https://www.bleachersnews.com/austrian-gp-post-race-reaction-from-max-perez-and-horner/|url-status=live}} At the next race; the British Grand Prix, Verstappen was involved in a high-speed collision at the Copse corner with Hamilton on the first lap. This resulted in a {{Convert|51|g-force|lk=on|abbr=|m/s2 ft/s2}} impact with the barrier.{{Citation|title=Verstappen & Hamilton Collide at Silverstone {{!}} 2021 British Grand Prix| date=18 July 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIKel6jVD3Q|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=3 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703032242/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIKel6jVD3Q|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Verstappen's Silverstone crash power unit given the all-clear by Honda after Friday running in Hungary|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappens-silverstone-crash-power-unit-given-the-all-clear-by-honda-after.4gmPYE3cbWVQzNGN1mbYlc.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=18 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118142945/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappens-silverstone-crash-power-unit-given-the-all-clear-by-honda-after.4gmPYE3cbWVQzNGN1mbYlc.html|url-status=live}} He was taken to the Silverstone circuit's medical centre after the crash and was then taken to Coventry hospital for precautionary checks and further assessment, before eventually being discharged at 22:00 local time on Sunday night.{{Cite web |date=18 July 2021 |title=British GP: Lewis Hamilton wins dramatic home race after big Max Verstappen crash as title lead is cut |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12358463/british-gp-lewis-hamilton-wins-dramatic-home-race-after-big-max-verstappen-crash-as-title-lead-is-cut |access-date=18 July 2021 |archive-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317051534/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12358463/british-gp-lewis-hamilton-wins-dramatic-home-race-after-big-max-verstappen-crash-as-title-lead-is-cut |url-status=live}} Hamilton would go on to win the race, reducing Verstappen's lead in the championship to eight points.{{Cite web|title=2021 British Grand Prix race report & highlights: Hamilton overcomes first-lap collision with Verstappen to hunt down Leclerc for 8th British GP win|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-overcomes-first-lap-collision-with-verstappen-to-hunt-down-leclerc.AgFOAxlzlpWSTiHS0Hsbe.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718220128/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-overcomes-first-lap-collision-with-verstappen-to-hunt-down-leclerc.AgFOAxlzlpWSTiHS0Hsbe.html|url-status=live}} At the next race, the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen's car suffered damage in a multi-car collision on lap 1, where Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas was deemed at fault. He ended the race in tenth which was promoted to ninth after Sebastian Vettel was disqualified. The outcome of the race allowed Hamilton to take the lead of the championship.{{Cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31381/12370206/hungarian-gp-max-verstappen-red-bull-rue-brutal-valtteri-bottas-triggered-start-chaos-after-lost-title-leads |title=Hungarian GP: Max Verstappen, Red Bull rue 'brutal' Valtteri Bottas-triggered start chaos after lost title leads |last=Galloway |first=James |date=2 August 2021 |website=skysports.com |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-date=5 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805035034/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31381/12370206/hungarian-gp-max-verstappen-red-bull-rue-brutal-valtteri-bottas-triggered-start-chaos-after-lost-title-leads |url-status=live}}

Following the summer break, Verstappen qualified on pole at the Belgian Grand Prix, ahead of Williams driver George Russell in second and Lewis Hamilton in third.{{Citation|title=Qualifying Highlights {{!}} 2021 Belgian Grand Prix| date=28 August 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_CvS-dN99Y|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119002339/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_CvS-dN99Y|url-status=live}} The race was run for three laps, all behind the safety car, with the race official race results taken from the running order at the end of the first lap, with Hamilton and Verstappen both retaining their qualifying positions. As less than 75% of the race distance was completed, half points were awarded, resulting in Verstappen closing the gap to Hamilton to three points.{{cite news |last=Benson |first=Andrew |title=Max Verstappen declared winner of aborted rain-hit Belgian Grand Prix |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/58377097 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=29 August 2021 |archive-date=29 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829172106/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/58377097 |url-status=live}} At the Dutch Grand Prix Verstappen again qualified on pole, beating Hamilton by 0.038 seconds.{{cite web|title=Verstappen says technical issues prevented Dutch GP pole lap being even faster around 'incredible' Zandvoort|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-says-technical-issues-prevented-pole-lap-being-even-faster-around.63hSAhZT8QfMy86azal66v.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=18 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118232921/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-says-technical-issues-prevented-pole-lap-being-even-faster-around.63hSAhZT8QfMy86azal66v.html|url-status=live}} During the race Verstappen was able to fend off attacks from both Mercedes drivers to take the win, taking the lead in the Drivers' Championship by three points.{{cite web |title=Dutch Grand Prix 2021: race report and reaction |website=RedBull.com |date=5 September 2021 |url=https://www.redbull.com/int-en/dutch-f1-grand-prix-2021-race-report |access-date=18 December 2021 |archive-date=18 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218075510/https://www.redbull.com/int-en/dutch-f1-grand-prix-2021-race-report |url-status=live}} For the {{F1GP|2021|Russian}}, Verstappen was required to start at the back of the grid for exceeding his quota of power unit components.{{Cite web|title=Verstappen set to start Russian GP from the back of the grid after engine change|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-set-to-start-russian-gp-from-the-back-of-the-grid-after-engine.7f6jFpCcP8YyCh2A8UEGMw.html|url-status=live|access-date=26 September 2021|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=30 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030080928/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-set-to-start-russian-gp-from-the-back-of-the-grid-after-engine.7f6jFpCcP8YyCh2A8UEGMw.html}} He made his way back up the field, and after taking an early pit stop for intermediate tyres late in the race, he finished second.{{Cite web|url = https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2021/09/max-verstappen-we-made-a-great-decision-with-the-timing-and-took-the-right-lap-to-pit/|title = Max Verstappen: "We made a great decision with the timing and took the right lap to pit"|date = 27 September 2021|access-date = 27 September 2021|archive-date = 27 September 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210927094249/https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2021/09/max-verstappen-we-made-a-great-decision-with-the-timing-and-took-the-right-lap-to-pit/|url-status = live}} At the Turkish Grand Prix, Verstappen qualified second with Bottas on pole.{{Cite web|date=9 October 2021|title=Valtteri Bottas gets Turkish F1 GP pole in boost for fastest man Lewis Hamilton|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/oct/09/valtteri-bottas-turkish-f1-gp-pole-lewis-hamilton-max-verstappen|access-date=19 January 2022|website=The Guardian|archive-date=9 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009132422/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/oct/09/valtteri-bottas-turkish-f1-gp-pole-lewis-hamilton-max-verstappen|url-status=live}} With the race being run in wet conditions and the drivers on intermediate tyres the whole race, Verstappen finished second behind Bottas, taking the lead in the Drivers' Championship by six points as Hamilton finished fifth.{{cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |title=Turkish Grand Prix: Valtteri Bottas wins as Max Verstappen retakes title lead |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 October 2021 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/58863226 |access-date=23 October 2021 |archive-date=22 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022194759/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/58863226 |url-status=live}}

File:2021_United_States_Grand_Prix_23_(cropped).jpg

At the United States Grand Prix, Verstappen took pole position in qualifying, edging Hamilton by 0.209 seconds.{{Cite web|title=2021 United States Grand Prix qualifying report and highlights: Verstappen beats Hamilton to pole position with sensational final lap in Austin|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.qualifying-verstappen-pips-hamilton-to-pole-position-with-sensational-final.6zcE50igI0cWw2XVigtY6x.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208094708/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.qualifying-verstappen-pips-hamilton-to-pole-position-with-sensational-final.6zcE50igI0cWw2XVigtY6x.html|url-status=live}} Verstappen won the race and extended his lead in the Drivers' Championship to twelve points as Hamilton finished second with the fastest lap.{{cite web |title=Title battle heads into its climax |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 October 2021 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/59032201 |access-date=18 December 2021 |archive-date=18 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218072035/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/59032201 |url-status=live}} At the 2021 Mexico City Grand Prix, Verstappen qualified third with a gap to pole-sitter Bottas of 0.350 seconds.{{cite web|title=Mexico City qualifying: Mercedes shock Red Bull as Bottas takes pole ahead of Hamilton|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.qualifying-mercedes-shock-red-bull-as-bottas-takes-pole-ahead-of-hamilton-in.2dTyrMJFp6YU4FliMrIYQ0.html|access-date=19 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=5 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205223654/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.qualifying-mercedes-shock-red-bull-as-bottas-takes-pole-ahead-of-hamilton-in.2dTyrMJFp6YU4FliMrIYQ0.html|url-status=live}} Verstappen's main rival Hamilton qualified second. At the start, Verstappen took the lead from Bottas and Hamilton into turn 1, and won the race; and as a result extended his lead in the championship to 19 points.{{cite web |title=Hamilton has vowed to 'keep on fighting'. But his F1 crown is finally starting to slip |work=Fox Sports |date=8 November 2021 |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-news-mexico-grand-prix-2021-lewis-hamilton-max-verstappen-drivers-championship-standings-next-race-latest/news-story/9d8474f15bb968196e6b29d772b50f4c |access-date=18 December 2021 |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206233354/https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-news-mexico-grand-prix-2021-lewis-hamilton-max-verstappen-drivers-championship-standings-next-race-latest/news-story/9d8474f15bb968196e6b29d772b50f4c |url-status=live}}

Verstappen and Hamilton each entered the final round of the championship—the {{F1GP|2021|Abu Dhabi}} at Yas Marina—on exactly 369.5 points, with Verstappen leading on countback.{{cite web|title=How can Lewis Hamilton win the 2021 F1 title?|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/how-can-lewis-hamilton-win-the-2021-f1-title/6857947/|access-date=12 February 2022|website=Autosport|date=6 December 2021 |archive-date=12 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212104346/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/how-can-lewis-hamilton-win-the-2021-f1-title/6857947/|url-status=live}} Verstappen qualified on pole position by nearly four-tenths of a second, but had a slow start and lost the lead to Hamilton into turn one.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} He attempted to re-pass Hamilton at turn six, who controversially cut the track and maintained the lead without penalty; the stewards deemed no advantage was gained, amidst Verstappen and Red Bull's complaints.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Verstappen was trailing Hamilton by over 10 seconds until a safety car was called with five laps remaining, following a crash involving Nicholas Latifi.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} The withdrawal of the safety car and subsequent resumption of the race with one lap remaining was met with further controversy; race director Michael Masi only allowed a certain number of lapped cars through, saving time to allow the race to be restarted once the track had been cleared.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Verstappen passed Hamilton at turn five of the final lap of the race to become the first World Drivers' Champion from the Netherlands and the 34th overall.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59628024 |title=Max Verstappen wins title after last-lap overtake of Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes protests rejected |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 December 2021 |access-date=14 December 2021 |archive-date=14 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214231835/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59628024 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://racingnews365.com/how-verstappen-joined-f1s-list-of-world-champions|title=How Verstappen joined F1's list of World Champions|date=12 December 2021 |access-date=13 December 2021|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213045157/https://racingnews365.com/how-verstappen-joined-f1s-list-of-world-champions|url-status=live}} Mercedes protested and stated intention to appeal the race results, arguing all lapped cars should have been allowed to pass under the regulations, but Red Bull counter-argued that this was not specified in the regulations with the word "any" used as opposed to "all".{{cite web |url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/doc_58_-_2021_abu_dhabi_grand_prix_-_decision_-_mercedes_protest_art._48.12.pdf |title=Decision – Mercedes Protest Art. 48.12 |date=12 December 2021 |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile |access-date=19 December 2021 |archive-date=12 December 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211212191155/https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/doc_58_-_2021_abu_dhabi_grand_prix_-_decision_-_mercedes_protest_art._48.12.pdf |url-status=live}} The protest was subsequently rejected, confirming Verstappen as the World Drivers' Champion; the FIA amended the wording of the rule from 2022 onwards.{{Cite web |date=19 March 2022 |title=2021 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Report to the World Motor Sport Council – 19 March 2022 |url=https://www.fia.com/2021-f1-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-report-world-motor-sport-council-19-march-2022 |access-date=25 March 2022 |website=Federation Internationale de l'Automobile |archive-date=24 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324224707/https://www.fia.com/2021-f1-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-report-world-motor-sport-council-19-march-2022 |url-status=live}} Verstappen was named the best driver of the season by Autosport and The Race,{{Cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/ranking-the-top-10-formula-1-drivers-of-2021/6929359/ |title=Ranking the top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2021 |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=20 December 2021 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |access-date=14 December 2024 |issn=0269-946X |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902103245/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/ranking-the-top-10-formula-1-drivers-of-2021/6929359/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/top-10-formula-1-drivers-of-2021-our-verdict/ |title=Top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2021 – Our verdict |last=Beer |first=Matt |date=14 December 2021 |website=The Race |publisher=The Race Media |access-date=14 December 2024 |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526143840/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/top-10-formula-1-drivers-of-2021-our-verdict/ |url-status=live }} whilst also topping official polls of fellow drivers and team principals.{{Cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/exclusive-the-top-10-f1-drivers-of-2021-as-chosen-by-the-drivers.6DWHaJ3vf5A3jc7hO9ivkz |title=EXCLUSIVE: The Top 10 F1 drivers of 2021 – as chosen by the drivers |last=Barretto |first=Lawrence |date=28 December 2021 |website=Formula 1 |publisher=Formula One Group |access-date=14 December 2024 |archive-date=18 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518221918/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/exclusive-the-top-10-f1-drivers-of-2021-as-chosen-by-the-drivers.6DWHaJ3vf5A3jc7hO9ivkz |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/revealed-f1s-team-bosses-choose-their-top-10-drivers-of-2021.1sK8ysV0LK0MIbeNsHAkgY |title=REVEALED: F1's team bosses choose their Top 10 drivers of 2021 |last=Barretto |first=Lawrence |date=27 December 2021 |website=Formula 1 |publisher=Formula One Group |access-date=14 December 2024 |archive-date=12 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212123759/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/revealed-f1s-team-bosses-choose-their-top-10-drivers-of-2021.1sK8ysV0LK0MIbeNsHAkgY |url-status=live }} Mark Hughes of Motor Sport also ranked Verstappen first, describing his season as a "stunning combination of speed and racecraft, totally fearless, incredible tenacity and ability to comeback from adversity".{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/february-2022/78/2021s-top-10-f1-drivers-rated/ |title=2021's top 10 F1 drivers rated |last=Hughes |first=Mark |date=February 2022 |website=Motor Sport |access-date=14 December 2024 |issn=0027-2019 |archive-date=22 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622004438/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/february-2022/78/2021s-top-10-f1-drivers-rated/ |url-status=live }}

== 2022: Dominant second title ==

File:RB18 JapaneseGP FP2.jpg, where he won his second World Drivers' Championship]]

In March 2022, Verstappen signed a five-year contract extension with Red Bull Racing for the 2023 to 2028 seasons. From this season onward, he would use the number 1 instead of his regular number 33 as the reigning world champion.{{cite web|date=18 January 2022|title=Why Verstappen plans to use number 1 on his car, but Hamilton decided not to|url=https://racingnews365.com/why-verstappen-will-use-number-1-on-his-car-but-hamilton-didnt|access-date=24 April 2024|publisher=Racingnews365.com|archive-date=24 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424144505/https://racingnews365.com/why-verstappen-will-use-number-1-on-his-car-but-hamilton-didnt|url-status=live}}

Verstappen retired from second place at the season-opening {{F1 GP|2022|Bahrain}} with a fuel system issue. He won the {{F1 GP|2022|Saudi Arabian}}, having benefited from a pit stop during safety car conditions to pass teammate and pole-sitter Pérez, but suffered another fuel-related retirement from second place at the {{F1 GP|2022|Australian}}. This left him 46 points behind championship leader Charles Leclerc after three races. Verstappen responded by winning the next three races; he achieved sprint victory and a grand slam at the {{F1 GP|2022|Emilia Romagna}},{{cite web |last=Kelly |first=Sean |date=24 April 2022 |title=Facts and Stats: A grand slam first, and Red Bull's maiden double score at Imola |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.facts-and-stats-a-grand-slam-first-and-red-bulls-maiden-double-score-at.7nAGUuihqzKZA9PoyCUCf6.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712125614/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.facts-and-stats-a-grand-slam-first-and-red-bulls-maiden-double-score-at.7nAGUuihqzKZA9PoyCUCf6.html |archive-date=12 July 2022 |access-date=7 July 2022 |publisher=Formula One}} won from third on the grid at the {{F1 GP|2022|Miami}} and gained from Leclerc's retirement at the {{F1 GP|2022|Spanish}} to lead the Drivers' Championship. Further wins came at the {{F1 GP|2022|Azerbaijan}}, where Leclerc again retired, and from pole position at the {{F1 GP|2022|Canadian}}. Verstappen qualified second at the {{F1 GP|2022|British}}, but floor damage from running over debris harmed his pace and resulted in a seventh-place finish.{{Cite web|title=Verstappen reveals part of floor was 'completely destroyed' by debris after lowly P7 finish at Silverstone|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-reveals-part-of-floor-was-completely-destroyed-by-debris-after.d6CvA4vD6cW9QskPADpst.html|access-date=5 July 2022|website=formula1|archive-date=5 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705143942/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-reveals-part-of-floor-was-completely-destroyed-by-debris-after.d6CvA4vD6cW9QskPADpst.html|url-status=live}} He took pole position at the {{F1 GP|2022|Austrian}} and won the sprint, but was overtaken by Leclerc in the race and finished second, reducing his championship lead over Leclerc to 38 points.

Following this, Verstappen went on to win five races consecutively. Pole-sitter Leclerc crashed out of the {{F1 GP|2022|French}}, allowing Verstappen to win. Power unit issues meant he qualified tenth for the {{F1 GP|2022|Hungarian}},{{Cite web |date=30 July 2022 |title=F1: Power unit fault "painful" for Verstappen after surprise pace |url=https://www.racefans.net/2022/07/30/power-unit-fault-painful-for-verstappen-after-cars-pace-surprises/ |access-date=30 July 2022 |website=RaceFans |archive-date=30 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730212753/https://www.racefans.net/2022/07/30/power-unit-fault-painful-for-verstappen-after-cars-pace-surprises/ |url-status=live}} but overtakes in the opening laps and pit stop undercuts meant he went on to take victory, despite briefly losing the lead after a spin.{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Will |date=31 July 2022 |title=Verstappen spins and wins from 10th on grid as Ferrari pair finish off the podium |url=https://www.racefans.net/2022/07/31/verstappen-spins-wins-from-10th-on-grid-as-ferrari-pair-finish-off-podium/ |access-date=31 July 2022 |website=RaceFans |archive-date=31 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731231826/https://www.racefans.net/2022/07/31/verstappen-spins-wins-from-10th-on-grid-as-ferrari-pair-finish-off-podium/ |url-status=live}} He set the fastest qualifying time at the {{F1 GP|2022|Belgian}} but was demoted to 14th on the grid with a power unit components penalty. Despite this, he progressed to the race lead by lap 12 and went on to win.{{cite web |title=Verstappen cruises to Belgian Grand Prix victory from P14 as Perez completes Red Bull 1–2 |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-cruises-to-belgian-grand-prix-victory-from-p15-as-perez-completes.2J5xxc79o1DGvziQOegt7i.html |publisher=Formula One |access-date=28 August 2022 |archive-date=29 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829080749/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-cruises-to-belgian-grand-prix-victory-from-p15-as-perez-completes.2J5xxc79o1DGvziQOegt7i.html |url-status=live}} He took pole position and his 30th race victory at his home race, the {{F1 GP|2022|Dutch}}, and then won from seventh on the grid at the {{F1 GP|2022|Italian}}.

Verstappen's winning streak was ended at the {{F1 GP|2022|Singapore}}. He ran out of fuel in qualifying and started the race eighth.{{Cite web |date=1 October 2022 |title=Leclerc claims pole position by 0.022s from Perez in stunning wet-dry Singapore qualifying as Verstappen takes P8 |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.leclerc-claims-pole-position-by-0-022s-from-perez-in-stunning-wet-dry.1VYcL6oJ34e4vHUpdJtDca.html |access-date=3 October 2022 |publisher=Formula One |archive-date=8 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608120702/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.leclerc-claims-pole-position-by-0-022s-from-perez-in-stunning-wet-dry.1VYcL6oJ34e4vHUpdJtDca.html |url-status=live}} He lost places at the start and later had to make an extra pit stop due to a tyre lock-up, finishing seventh. Victory from pole at the shortened {{F1 GP|2022|Japanese}} gave him a 113-point lead in the standings with four races remaining, securing him his second World Drivers' Championship.{{cite web |last=Morlidge |first=Matt |title=Max Verstappen crowned 2022 F1 world champion amid Japanese GP confusion after winning wet race |publisher=Sky Sports |date=9 October 2022 |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12707671/max-verstappen-crowned-2022-f1-world-champion-amid-japanese-gp-confusion-after-winning-wet-race |access-date=9 October 2022 |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009090638/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12707671/max-verstappen-crowned-2022-f1-world-champion-amid-japanese-gp-confusion-after-winning-wet-race |url-status=live}} He won the next two races, the United States and Mexico City Grands Prix, finished sixth at the {{F1 GP|2022|São Paulo}} after a collision with Lewis Hamilton, and won the season-ending {{F1 GP|2022|Abu Dhabi}} from pole.

Abu Dhabi was his fifteenth victory of the year, breaking the record of thirteen race wins in a season shared by Michael Schumacher in {{F1|2004}} and Sebastian Vettel in {{F1|2013}}. He won the championship with 454 points, beating Lewis Hamilton's {{F1|2019}} record of 413.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/max-by-numbers-the-incredible-stats-behind-verstappens-2022-championship.5CEqUJDvM2QHafTv0Zs63q|title=MAX BY NUMBERS: The amazing stats behind Verstappen's 2022 title winning campaign|publisher=Formula One|first=Nadim|last=Bart-Williams|date=25 November 2022|access-date=31 March 2024|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331134653/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/max-by-numbers-the-incredible-stats-behind-verstappens-2022-championship.5CEqUJDvM2QHafTv0Zs63q|url-status=live}}

==2023: Record-breaking third title==

File:FIA F1 Austria 2023 Race (1).jpg]]

Verstappen remained with Red Bull alongside Sergio Pérez for the 2023 season. His season began with a win from pole at the {{F1 GP|2023|Bahrain}}. A driveshaft failure in qualifying at the {{F1 GP|2023|Saudi Arabian}} resulted in a 15th-place start, but he gained positions in the race to finish second behind Pérez.{{cite web |last=Boxall-Legge |first=Jake |date=18 March 2023 |title=F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Perez grabs pole as Verstappen hits trouble |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-saudi-arabian-gp-perez-grabs-pole-as-verstappen-hits-trouble/10445464/ |access-date=20 March 2023 |website=Motorsport.com |archive-date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320210723/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-saudi-arabian-gp-perez-grabs-pole-as-verstappen-hits-trouble/10445464/ |url-status=live}} He again won from pole at the {{F1 GP|2023|Australian}} despite losing positions to the Mercedes drivers during the race,{{cite web |last=Johnston |first=Sam |date=2 April 2023 |title=Australian GP: Max Verstappen holds off Lewis Hamilton for victory after wild finish to chaotic race |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12847996/australian-gp-max-verstappen-holds-off-lewis-hamilton-for-victory-after-wild-finish-to-chaotic-race |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409110829/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12847996/australian-gp-max-verstappen-holds-off-lewis-hamilton-for-victory-after-wild-finish-to-chaotic-race |archive-date=9 April 2023 |access-date=2 April 2023 |publisher=Sky Sports F1}} but finished second to Pérez, who made a safety car pit stop, at the {{F1 GP|2023|Azerbaijan}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-azerbaijan-gp-perez-leads-dominant-red-bull-1-2-from-leclerc/10463146/|title=F1 Azerbaijan GP: Perez leads dominant Red Bull 1–2 from Leclerc|last=Boxall-Legge|first=Jake|website=Autosport|date=30 April 2023|access-date=30 April 2023|archive-date=30 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430222636/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-azerbaijan-gp-perez-leads-dominant-red-bull-1-2-from-leclerc/10463146/|url-status=live}}

After this began Verstappen's record-breaking win streak. He started ninth at the {{F1 GP|2023|Miami}} as red flags in qualifying aborted his lap but passed the drivers ahead including pole-sitter Pérez to win. The next four races, the Monaco, Spanish, Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix, were won comfortably from pole position by Verstappen, including Red Bull's 100th victory in Canada{{cite web |last=Boxall-Legge |first=Jake |date=18 June 2023 |title=F1 Canadian GP: Verstappen clinches Red Bull's 100th F1 win |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-canadian-gp-race-report/10484848/ |website=Autosport |access-date=19 June 2023 |archive-date=19 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619103008/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-canadian-gp-race-report/10484848/ |url-status=live}} and a sprint win in Austria. He took pole at the {{F1 GP|2023|British}} but briefly lost the lead to Lando Norris at the start before regaining the position to win. He qualified 0.003 seconds behind Lewis Hamilton at the {{F1 GP|2023|Hungarian}}, but overtook him at the first corner and went on to take victory. He claimed pole and the win in the {{F1 GP|2023|Belgian}} sprint and set the fastest qualifying time, but started the race sixth due to an engine component penalty. He went on to overtake Pérez to win the race. He won from pole at the rain-affected {{F1 GP|2023|Dutch}} and was victorious again at the {{F1 GP|2023|Italian}} despite qualifying behind Carlos Sainz Jr. This victory marked his tenth consecutive win, breaking Sebastian Vettel's record of nine from 2013,{{Cite web |last=Saunders |first=Nate |date=3 September 2023 |title=Verstappen claims record 10th straight F1 win in Italy |url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/38319156/max-verstappen-claims-record-10th-straight-f1-win-italian-grand-prix |access-date=3 September 2023 |website=ESPN.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903144505/https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/38319156/max-verstappen-claims-record-10th-straight-f1-win-italian-grand-prix |archive-date=3 September 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-charges-to-monza-victory-for-record-breaking-10th-successive-f1.6jCUOTZ4lZB3kxfIiwsiHK.html |title=Verstappen charges to Monza victory for record-breaking 10th successive F1 win |date=3 September 2023 |website=Formula One |author=Formula One Management |access-date=21 September 2023 |archive-date=3 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903164334/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-charges-to-monza-victory-for-record-breaking-10th-successive-f1.6jCUOTZ4lZB3kxfIiwsiHK.html |url-status=live}} and Red Bull's fifteenth consecutive win, a record previously held by McLaren with eleven in {{F1|1988}}.

Both Red Bulls were eliminated in Q2 at the {{F1 GP|2023|Singapore}} and were unable to make an impression in the race, with Verstappen and Pérez finishing fifth and eighth respectively, ending the winning streak.{{Cite web |title=Sainz takes sensational Singapore Grand Prix victory |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-holds-off-norris-and-fast-charging-mercedes-pair-to-take-sensational.16sNsRUz2MAFyXxSE3RdwX.html |access-date=18 September 2023 |publisher=Formula One |archive-date=17 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230917160814/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-holds-off-norris-and-fast-charging-mercedes-pair-to-take-sensational.16sNsRUz2MAFyXxSE3RdwX.html |url-status=live}} This would be the only break in Verstappen's success, as he went on to win the remaining seven races of the season. His victory from pole at the {{F1 GP|2023|Japanese}} gave Red Bull their sixth Constructors' Championship title.{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=24 September 2023 |title=Max Verstappen on verge of F1 world title after winning Japanese Grand Prix |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/sep/24/max-verstappen-on-brink-of-f1-world-title-after-winning-japanese-grand-prix |access-date=25 September 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=26 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926114547/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/sep/24/max-verstappen-on-brink-of-f1-world-title-after-winning-japanese-grand-prix |url-status=live}} He clinched his third World Drivers' Championship title at the {{F1 GP|2023|Qatar}} sprint despite finishing second to Oscar Piastri,{{Cite web |date=7 October 2023 |title=Verstappen secures third F1 world title as Piastri takes Sprint victory in Qatar |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-secures-third-f1-world-title-as-piastri-takes-sprint-victory-in.4d0SLopnXU9W8uzefnJmu3.html |access-date=8 October 2023 |publisher=Formula One |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011012612/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-secures-third-f1-world-title-as-piastri-takes-sprint-victory-in.4d0SLopnXU9W8uzefnJmu3.html |archive-date=11 October 2023 |url-status=live}} then won the race from pole. He won the {{F1 GP|2023|United States}} despite having started sixth due to a lap time deletion in qualifying. He qualified behind both Ferraris at the {{F1 GP|2023|Mexico City}} but passed both drivers to claim the win. He took pole and victory at the {{F1 GP|2023|São Paulo}} and won the sprint having overtook pole-sitter Lando Norris at the first turn. He started behind Charles Leclerc at the {{F1 GP|2023|Las Vegas}} and received a penalty for forcing him off the track, but Verstappen reclaimed the lead to win.

His pole and victory at the season-ending {{F1 GP|2023|Abu Dhabi}} was his nineteenth win of the year, breaking his own record of fifteen from 2022. He scored 575 points, more than double that of second-placed Pérez and beating his own points-scoring record from 2022.

==2024: Fourth title amid struggles at Red Bull==

File:FIA F1 Austria 2024 Nr. 1 Verstappen.jpg

Verstappen began the {{F1|2024}} season with his fifth career grand slam at the {{F1 GP|2024|Bahrain}}{{cite web|url=https://racer.com/2024/03/02/verstappen-reigns-supreme-in-bahrain-gp/|title=Verstappen reigns supreme in Bahrain GP|website=racer.com|first=Michael|last=Lamonato|date=2 March 2024|access-date=6 May 2024}} and followed this with another pole and victory at the {{F1 GP|2024|Saudi Arabian}}, his 100th Formula One podium.{{cite web |title='It's 88 missed podiums!' – Verstappen reflects on 100th F1 rostrum appearance as he praises 'fantastic' Bearman |date=9 March 2024 |work=Formula One Management |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.its-88-missed-podiums-verstappen-reflects-on-100th-f1-rostrum-appearance-as.4WpkyUZDh8agq8FasXlNdK.html |access-date=6 May 2024 |archive-date=9 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309222336/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.its-88-missed-podiums-verstappen-reflects-on-100th-f1-rostrum-appearance-as.4WpkyUZDh8agq8FasXlNdK.html |url-status=live }} He took pole again at the {{F1 GP|2024|Australian}} but retired on lap 4, his first retirement since the 2022 edition of the race, with a brake fire, ending his nine-race winning streak and 43 race-finishing streak.{{cite web |title=Sainz storms to victory amid drama in Australia |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/sainz-storms-to-victory-amid-drama-in-australia-as-verstappen-retires-and.4ZVm82EhKLMcVIHurBPr8N |publisher=Formula One |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=24 March 2024 |archive-date=24 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324063853/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/sainz-storms-to-victory-amid-drama-in-australia-as-verstappen-retires-and.4ZVm82EhKLMcVIHurBPr8N |url-status=live}} This was followed by a pole and win at the {{F1 GP|2024|Japanese}}.{{cite web |title=Verstappen leads home Perez for Red Bull one-two at Japanese GP after early drama |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-leads-home-perez-for-red-bull-one-two-at-japanese-gp-after-early.1rtPVvnBYJgZIEppNtk6ZD |publisher=Formula One |access-date=7 April 2024 |date=7 April 2024 |archive-date=7 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407092737/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-leads-home-perez-for-red-bull-one-two-at-japanese-gp-after-early.1rtPVvnBYJgZIEppNtk6ZD |url-status=live}} He won the sprint at the {{F1 GP|2024|Chinese}} after starting fourth,{{cite web |title=Verstappen beats Hamilton in dramatic Shanghai Sprint |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-charges-to-victory-over-hamilton-in-dramatic-shanghai-sprint.6B8IBGCczrPy6jLU3ztepf |publisher=Formula One |access-date=21 April 2024 |date=20 April 2024 |archive-date=20 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420143726/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-charges-to-victory-over-hamilton-in-dramatic-shanghai-sprint.6B8IBGCczrPy6jLU3ztepf |url-status=live}} then claimed pole and victory in the race.{{cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-charges-to-victory-over-norris-and-perez-in-action-packed-chinese.3Uz5CwNh5tEQt62umIGhob |title=Verstappen charges to victory over Norris and Perez in action-packed Chinese GP |date=21 April 2024 |access-date=22 April 2024 |website=Formula One |archive-date=21 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421124322/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-charges-to-victory-over-norris-and-perez-in-action-packed-chinese.3Uz5CwNh5tEQt62umIGhob |url-status=live }} He took another sprint win at the {{F1 GP|2024|Miami}}{{cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-charges-to-sprint-race-win-over-leclerc-and-perez-in-miami.3ziV5jwPsEc5HCQ1ODdIUF |title=Verstappen charges to Sprint win over Leclerc and Perez in Miami |date=4 May 2024 |access-date=5 May 2024 |website=Formula One}} and started on pole position, but lost the lead to Lando Norris during the pit stops and was unable to reclaim the place, finishing the race second.{{cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-beats-verstappen-for-breakthrough-maiden-f1-victory-in-action-packed.7f9W6X9L3kPQILyO3NljL1 |title=Norris beats Verstappen for breakthrough maiden F1 victory in action-packed Miami Grand Prix |date=5 May 2024 |access-date=6 May 2024 |website=Formula One |archive-date=13 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513225014/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-beats-verstappen-for-breakthrough-maiden-f1-victory-in-action-packed.7f9W6X9L3kPQILyO3NljL1 |url-status=live}} He matched Ayrton Senna's record of eight consecutive poles at the {{F1 GP|2024|Emilia Romagna}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/c8vvpq703geo|title=Very special to equal Senna pole record – Verstappen|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Andrew|last=Benson|date=18 May 2024|access-date=18 May 2024|archive-date=18 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518190928/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/c8vvpq703geo|url-status=live}} and converted this into his fifth victory of the season. His pole streak ended at the {{F1 GP|2024|Monaco}} where he qualified and finished sixth; Verstappen commented that his RB20 was losing time to its rivals in low-speed corners.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-pinpoints-issue-that-cost-him-a-lot-of-lap-time-in-monaco.2UIL0fxvgaAIHuG1SQIvcC|title=Verstappen pinpoints issue that cost him 'a lot of lap time' in Monaco qualifying as pole run comes to an end|publisher=Formula One|date=25 May 2024|access-date=28 May 2024}}

Verstappen and George Russell set identical lap times in qualifying at the {{F1 GP|2024|Canadian}}, but Russell started on pole position as he had set the lap time first.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/ive-missed-this-feeling-russell-hails-mercedes-progress-after-canada-pole-as.3FNoF51rSbAhHwUKUjTn2u|title='I've missed this feeling!' – Russell hails Mercedes progress after Canada pole as he vows to 'go for it' on race day|website=formula1.com|date=8 June 2024|access-date=9 June 2024|archive-date=9 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609165448/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/ive-missed-this-feeling-russell-hails-mercedes-progress-after-canada-pole-as.3FNoF51rSbAhHwUKUjTn2u|url-status=live}} Both drivers were overtaken by Norris, but Verstappen later passed Russell then gained the lead from Norris during the pit stops to claim his 60th race win.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-beats-norris-to-victory-in-thrilling-wet-dry-canadian-gp.6ytkbh7iDTWC3pJBwiaboI|title=Verstappen beats Norris to victory in thrilling wet/dry Canadian GP|website=formula1.com|date=9 June 2024|access-date=10 June 2024|archive-date=9 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609235243/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-beats-norris-to-victory-in-thrilling-wet-dry-canadian-gp.6ytkbh7iDTWC3pJBwiaboI|url-status=live}} He qualified second behind Norris at the {{F1 GP|2024|Spanish}} but passed him at the start and then overtook Russell to win for the seventh time in 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-holds-of-norris-challenge-to-seal-victory-at-the-spanish-grand.7a5UhXMAtkhbslSDNiPVes|title=Verstappen just holds off Norris to win super-tight Spanish Grand Prix as Hamilton claims first podium of 2024|website=formula1.com|date=23 June 2024|access-date=23 June 2024|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715020622/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-holds-of-norris-challenge-to-seal-victory-at-the-spanish-grand.7a5UhXMAtkhbslSDNiPVes|url-status=live}} Verstappen won the sprint from pole at the {{F1 GP|2024|Austrian}}{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-beats-piastri-and-norris-to-victory-after-epic-austria-sprint.okkV70ksnFFlGE8bmvGId|title=Verstappen beats Piastri and Norris to victory after epic Austria Sprint battle|website=formula1.com|date=29 June 2024|access-date=21 July 2024|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715020804/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-beats-piastri-and-norris-to-victory-after-epic-austria-sprint.okkV70ksnFFlGE8bmvGId|url-status=live}} and then qualified fastest for the main race.{{cite web |date=29 June 2024 |title=Formula 1 Qatar Airways Austrian Grand Prix 2024 – Qualifying |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2024/races/1239/austria/qualifying.html |access-date=29 June 2024 |publisher=Formula One |archive-date=29 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629154701/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2024/races/1239/austria/qualifying.html |url-status=live}} He led most of the race but was challenged by Norris in the closing laps before the two drivers collided; Verstappen was handed a time penalty for causing the collision and finished the race fifth.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/russell-claims-surprise-win-in-austria-after-verstappen-and-norris.2Kmxvn4a42JYDFhvklagYk|title=Russell claims surprise win in Austria after Verstappen and Norris dramatically collide in battle for the lead|website=www.formula1.com|access-date=4 July 2024|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715020740/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/russell-claims-surprise-win-in-austria-after-verstappen-and-norris.2Kmxvn4a42JYDFhvklagYk|url-status=live}} He later commented that the crash did not affect his close friendship with Norris.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/im-not-there-to-crash-you-out-verstappen-shares-details-of-post-austria-chat.4rRZCOwj7apVXWktQlD6fr|title='I'm not there to crash you out' – Verstappen shares details of post-Austria chat with Norris after 'silly' coming together|website=Formula One official website|access-date=7 July 2024|archive-date=6 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706192607/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/im-not-there-to-crash-you-out-verstappen-shares-details-of-post-austria-chat.4rRZCOwj7apVXWktQlD6fr|url-status=live}} He qualified fourth at the {{F1 GP|2024|British}} and passed Norris in the closing laps to finish second behind Lewis Hamilton.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13174568/british-gp-lewis-hamilton-holds-off-max-verstappen-to-claim-record-ninth-victory-at-silverstone|title=British GP: Lewis Hamilton holds off Max Verstappen to claim record ninth victory at Silverstone|website=skysports.com|date=7 July 2024|access-date=21 July 2024|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715162017/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13174568/british-gp-lewis-hamilton-holds-off-max-verstappen-to-claim-record-ninth-victory-at-silverstone|url-status=live}} He started third at the {{F1 GP|2024|Hungarian}} but collided with Hamilton and went on to finish fifth. He criticised his team's race strategy and suggested that the RB20 was now behind the race-winning McLaren MCL38 on pace.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/i-want-things-to-be-done-better-fumes-verstappen-after-hungarian-gp-as-he.4FBWinVnmuhICOvt8rIg6c|title='I want things to be done better' fumes Verstappen after Hungarian GP as he admits Red Bull now behind McLaren|website=formula1.com|date=21 July 2024|access-date=21 July 2024|archive-date=22 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722223931/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/i-want-things-to-be-done-better-fumes-verstappen-after-hungarian-gp-as-he.4FBWinVnmuhICOvt8rIg6c|url-status=live}} Verstappen qualified fastest at the {{F1 GP|2024|Belgian}} but started outside the top ten due to an engine component penalty.{{cite web|date=26 July 2024|title=Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2024 – Starting Grid|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2024/races/1242/belgium/starting-grid.html|access-date=26 July 2024|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=20 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720125208/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2024/races/1242/belgium/starting-grid.html|url-status=live}} He recovered positions and was classified fourth in the race,{{cite web|date=28 July 2024|title=Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2024 – Race Result|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2024/races/1242/belgium/race-result.html|access-date=28 July 2024|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=16 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616005227/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2024/races/1242/belgium/race-result.html|url-status=live}} extending his lead in the championship to 78 points over Norris going into the summer break.{{cite web|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/2024/belgique/championnat.aspx|title=Belgium 2024 – Championship|website=Stats F1|date=21 July 2024|access-date=28 July 2024|archive-date=2 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802082453/https://www.statsf1.com/en/2024/belgique/championnat.aspx|url-status=live}}

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| footer = Verstappen led 17 laps and finished second to rival Norris at the {{F1GP|2024|Dutch}}.

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At his home race, the {{F1 GP|2024|Dutch}}, Verstappen qualified second behind Norris and gained the lead at the first corner, but was later overtaken by Norris and finished second.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-fights-back-against-verstappen-to-end-home-heros-run-of-dutch-gp-wins.3IPKJnhPnBEjWGAfrGeZQo|title=Norris fights back against Verstappen to end home hero's run of Dutch GP wins|website=formula1.com|date=25 August 2024|access-date=26 August 2024|archive-date=25 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825145838/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-fights-back-against-verstappen-to-end-home-heros-run-of-dutch-gp-wins.3IPKJnhPnBEjWGAfrGeZQo|url-status=live}} He qualified and finished outside the top four at both the Italian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix,{{cite web |title=Leclerc thrills the Tifosi as he triumphs at Monza |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/leclerc-thrills-the-tifosi-to-triumph-at-monza-ahead-of-piastri-and-norris.1aiYZF3rWZp2Q9yQtcuvqV |access-date=16 September 2024 |publisher=Formula One |archive-date=1 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901150111/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/leclerc-thrills-the-tifosi-to-triumph-at-monza-ahead-of-piastri-and-norris.1aiYZF3rWZp2Q9yQtcuvqV |url-status=live }} after which Red Bull lost the lead of the Constructors' Championship to McLaren.{{cite web |author1=Andrew Benson |title='McLaren's constructors' lead a seismic development' |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/c5y00xzxjz4o |website=BBC |access-date=16 September 2024 |date=15 September 2024 |archive-date=16 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916001436/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/c5y00xzxjz4o |url-status=live }} He then finished second to Norris at the {{F1 GP|2024|Singapore}}, reducing his championship advantage to 52 points.{{cite web |title=Norris dominates Singapore GP to cut Verstappen's title lead again |website=Formula One |date=22 September 2024 |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-dominates-singapore-gp-to-cut-verstappens-title-lead-again.MZ20MuNu3E9hLQmNEg2Tc |access-date=22 September 2024 |archive-date=22 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922141751/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-dominates-singapore-gp-to-cut-verstappens-title-lead-again.MZ20MuNu3E9hLQmNEg2Tc |url-status=live }} Verstappen described his car as "fucked" at the official press conference in Singapore, for which he received a punishment from the FIA to "accomplish some work of public interest".{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/verstappen-ordered-to-do-public-service-work-for-swearing-in-press-conference/10656035/|title=Verstappen ordered to do public service work for swearing in press conference|website=motorsport.com|first1=Jonathan|last1=Noble|first2=Ewan|last2=Gale|date=20 September 2024|accessdate=29 September 2024|archive-date=25 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925165255/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/verstappen-ordered-to-do-public-service-work-for-swearing-in-press-conference/10656035/|url-status=live}} He responded by hosting an impromptu media session outside the press conference room in protest,{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/verstappen-protests-swearing-punishment-in-singapore-gp-press-conference/10656678/|title=Verstappen stages press conference protest against FIA swearing penalty|website=motorsport.com|first1=Jake|last1=Boxall-Legge|first2=Ronald|last2=Vording|date=21 September 2024|accessdate=29 September 2024|archive-date=27 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927205552/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/verstappen-protests-swearing-punishment-in-singapore-gp-press-conference/10656678/|url-status=live}} and later suggested that the decision could push him to leave the sport.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/verstappen-silly-punishment-for-swearing-makes-me-rethink-f1-future/10657123/|title=Verstappen questioning his F1 future over swearing punishment|first=Jake|last=Boxall-Legge|date=22 September 2024|accessdate=29 September 2024|archive-date=28 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928002946/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/verstappen-silly-punishment-for-swearing-makes-me-rethink-f1-future/10657123/|url-status=live}} He won the sprint at the {{F1 GP|2024|United States}} and was classified third in the race ahead of Norris, who was penalised for overtaking Verstappen off-track.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/leclerc-leads-dominant-ferrari-one-two-in-austin-as-norris-loses-third-to.3VSTWKOy40Ta1vvtlwHBff|title=Leclerc leads dominant Ferrari one-two in Austin as Norris loses third to Verstappen after penalty|website=formula1.com|date=20 October 2024|accessdate=25 October 2024}} This extended Verstappen's championship lead for the first time since the Belgian Grand Prix. He started second at the {{F1 GP|2024|Mexico City}} but received 20 seconds worth of penalties for his driving during a battle for position with Norris, resulting in a sixth-place finish, reducing his championship lead to 47 points.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-reflects-on-his-penalties-from-norris-battle-in-mexico-as-he.3QrpuZHhdIvBsKGRdUNcBx|title=Verstappen reflects on his penalties from Norris battle in Mexico as he highlights 'biggest problem'|website=formula1.com|date=28 October 2024|accessdate=28 October 2024}}

{{quote box|quote=I mean honestly [Russell and Norris] could have got a 10-second penalty and [Verstappen] could have won by 30 seconds but it didn't matter. He was so calm about it; he was calculating. Every time he made a passing move. I mean he was exemplary. For me, this was a masterclass of how a racing driver reaches the pinnacle of his career and becomes a four-time World Champion.|source=—Eddie Jordan, speaking about Verstappen's victory at the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix{{cite web|title=Jordan dishes out the praise for Verstappen: 'Best example of control'|website=GP Blog|url=https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/311951/former-f1-team-boss-eddie-jordan-in-awe-of-max-verstappen.html|date=8 November 2024|access-date=10 November 2024|first=Matt|last=Gretton}}|width=27%|align=right}}

Verstappen was classified fourth in the {{F1GP|2024|São Paulo}} sprint after receiving a virtual safety car infringement penalty,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/42150303/max-verstappen-handed-five-second-penalty-sprint|title=Brazil GP: Max Verstappen handed five-second penalty in sprint|website=ESPN|date=2 November 2024|access-date=10 November 2024|first=Laurence|last=Edmondson}} and started the race from 17th following an engine penalty, whilst Norris qualified on pole. He gained seven positions on the opening lap, with further places obtained via several crucial overtakes, as well as surviving the worsening conditions on his intermediate tyres until the red flag period.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-reflects-on-rollercoaster-sao-paulo-super-sunday-after-sublime.1jfpVX3N0rQoSRJCWrLKSH|title=Verstappen reflects on 'absolutely crazy' Sao Paulo GP after sublime climb from P17 to victory as he extends title lead|website=Formula 1|date=3 November 2024|access-date=24 November 2024}} Following this—and his overtake for the lead on Ocon—Verstappen set ten of the eleven fastest laps of the race, with his quickest being 1.045 seconds quicker than any of his rivals;{{cite web|url=https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-2024-brazilian-gp-fastest-lap/#:~:text=Verstappen%20pumped%20in%20fastest%20lap,F1%202024%20Brazilian%20GP%20victory.|title=F1 2024 Brazilian GP – Fastest Lap|website=Total Motorsport|date=3 November 2024|access-date=10 November 2024|first=Brandon|last=Sutton}} he won by a 19-second margin, increasing his championship lead to 62 points.{{cite web|url=https://www.planetf1.com/features/max-verstappen-stats-f1-2024-brazilian-grand-prix-win|title=Revealed: Six crazy Max Verstappen stats from insane Brazilian Grand Prix win|website=Planet F1|date=4 November 2024|access-date=10 November 2024|first=Elizabeth|last=Blackstock}} Verstappen was lauded by drivers and critics for his drive;{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/42187848/brazil-gp-max-verstappen-win-hailed-hamilton-alonso|title=Brazil GP: Max Verstappen's win hailed by Hamilton, Alonso|website=ESPN|date=4 November 2024|access-date=10 November 2024|first=Nate|last=Saunders|archive-date=10 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110012149/https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/42187848/brazil-gp-max-verstappen-win-hailed-hamilton-alonso|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://racingnews365.com/hill-offers-verstappen-praise-after-red-bull-rot-ends|title=Hill offers Verstappen praise after Red Bull 'rot' ends|website=RacingNews365|date=5 November 2024|access-date=10 November 2024|first=Nick|last=Golding}}{{Cite news |last=Coleman |first=Madeline |title=Max Verstappen delivers iconic São Paulo GP win, expanding title lead on Lando Norris |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5894586/2024/11/03/max-verstappen-brazil-gp-win-lando-norris/ |access-date=25 November 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=3 November 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=23 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241123070952/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5894586/2024/11/03/max-verstappen-brazil-gp-win-lando-norris/ |url-status=live }} Giles Richards of The Guardian opined that his performance was "worthy of recognition in the pantheon of Formula One's wet-weather drives", describing him as a regenmeister ({{lit|rain master}}).{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/nov/04/max-verstappen-flawless-display-joins-f1s-very-best-wet-weather-drives|title=Max Verstappen's flawless display joins F1's very best wet-weather drives|work=The Guardian|date=4 November 2024|access-date=10 November 2024|first=Giles|last=Richards}} By finishing ahead of Norris at the subsequent {{F1 GP|2024|Las Vegas}}, Verstappen secured his fourth world title with two races remaining.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/a-very-special-and-beautiful-season-verstappen-proud-after-joining-elites-as.4Q2zWcWyFVwbFgxdKJlOk8|title='A very special and beautiful season' – Verstappen 'proud' after joining elites as a four-time F1 champion in Las Vegas|website=formula1.com|date=24 November 2024|accessdate=24 November 2024}} Winning eight Grands Prix in all, Andrew Benson of BBC Sport proclaimed it as a "towering achievement from a driver recognised as one of the all-time greats of Formula 1", describing his season as "almost flawless" whilst "not [having] the best car for the majority".{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/cj4vknj92jpo|title=Why Verstappen's 'almost flawless' season is 'towering achievement'|first=Andrew|last=Benson|date=24 November 2024|access-date=25 November 2024|work=BBC Sport|archive-date=24 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124162846/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/cj4vknj92jpo|url-status=live}} Verstappen won the {{F1GP|2024|Qatar}}, leading every lap after having his pole position stripped for driving unnecessarily slowly in qualifying; the incident led to a widely publicised feud with George Russell. After the season-ending {{F1GP|2024|Abu Dhabi}}, Verstappen became the first driver to win a title driving for a third-placed team in the World Constructors' Championship since Nelson Piquet in {{F1|1983}}.{{Cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2024/11/25/verstappen-perez-number-world-championship/ |title=The numbers which show this is Max Verstappen's best championship |last=Slater |first=Luke |date=25 November 2024 |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=8 December 2024 |archive-date=29 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129151810/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2024/11/25/verstappen-perez-number-world-championship/ |url-status=live }}

== 2025: Challenger to McLaren ==

File:2025 Japan GP - Red Bull - Max Verstappen - Race.jpg drivers.|alt=Verstappen driving the Red Bull RB21 at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix]]

Red Bull trailed McLaren for performance into {{F1|2025}}, with Verstappen finishing second at the season-opening {{F1GP|2025|Australian}} after battling Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for the lead in wet conditions.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/cr421xe109qo |title=Norris beats Verstappen in dramatic Australia opener |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=16 March 2025 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |access-date=16 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250316070859/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cr421xe109qo |archive-date=16 March 2025 |url-status=live}} He claimed third in the sprint and fourth in the main race in China amidst tyre wear and performance struggles with the RB21, whilst new teammate Liam Lawson finished outside the points; Verstappen claimed Red Bull had also dropped behind Ferrari and Mercedes, as Lawson was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda.{{Cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/how-a-worried-red-bull-plans-to-rebound-after-glum-start-to-f1-2025/10706952/ |title=How a "worried" Red Bull plans to rebound after glum start to F1 2025 |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=25 March 2025 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |access-date=26 March 2025 |issn=0269-946X |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250326150505/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/how-a-worried-red-bull-plans-to-rebound-after-glum-start-to-f1-2025/10706952/ |archive-date=26 March 2025 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/yuki-tsunoda-liam-lawson-f1-red-bull-japan-b2722436.html |title=Yuki Tsunoda replaces Liam Lawson at Red Bull for Japan GP in unprecedented F1 driver swap |last=Jackson |first=Kieran |date=27 March 2025 |work=The Independent |access-date=27 March 2025 |issn=1741-9743 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250327145829/https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/yuki-tsunoda-liam-lawson-f1-red-bull-japan-b2722436.html |archive-date=27 March 2025 |url-status=live}} He received widespread acclaim for his surprise pole position at the {{F1GP|2025|Japanese}},

{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/05/max-verstappen-pips-lando-norris-to-f1-japanese-gp-pole-with-blistering-lap |title='Special one': Max Verstappen pips Lando Norris to F1 Japanese GP pole |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=5 April 2025 |work=The Guardian |access-date=5 April 2025 |issn=1756-3224 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405134427/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/05/max-verstappen-pips-lando-norris-to-f1-japanese-gp-pole-with-blistering-lap |archive-date=5 April 2025 |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/max-verstappen-japanese-gp-2025-suzuka-lap-breakdown/ |title=The details that made Verstappen's pole so incredible |last=Straw |first=Edd |date=5 April 2025 |website=The Race |publisher=The Race Media |access-date=5 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405134454/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/max-verstappen-japanese-gp-2025-suzuka-lap-breakdown/ |archive-date=5 April 2025 |url-status=live}}
{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/c5yp8np53pxo |title='Very rare' Verstappen lap stuns Red Bull and McLaren |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=5 April 2025 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |access-date=5 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405134509/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/c5yp8np53pxo |archive-date=5 April 2025 |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/44542381/fernando-alonso-awe-magical-max-verstappen-pole-lap |title=Japanese GP: Fernando Alonso in awe of 'magical' Max Verstappen after pole lap |last=Saunders |first=Nate |date=5 April 2025 |website=ESPN |publisher=ESPN Inc. |access-date=5 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405134728/https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/44542381/fernando-alonso-awe-magical-max-verstappen-pole-lap |archive-date=5 April 2025 |url-status=live}}
{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6257039/2025/04/05/max-verstappen-suzuka-pole-japanese-grand-prix/ |title=Max Verstappen: Breaking down Red Bull driver's 'magical' pole lap in Japan |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=5 April 2025 |work=The Athletic |publisher=The New York Times |access-date=5 April 2025 |issn=1553-8095 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405134648/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6257039/2025/04/05/max-verstappen-suzuka-pole-japanese-grand-prix/ |archive-date=5 April 2025 |url-status=live}} before holding off both McLaren drivers to claim his first victory of the year;{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6258403/2025/04/06/japanese-grand-prix-f1-briefing-max-verstappen-red-bull/ |title=F1 Japanese Grand Prix briefing: Max Verstappen's perfect win and Kimi Antonelli makes history |last1=Coleman |first1=Madeline |last2=Smith |first2=Luke |date=6 April 2025 |work=The Athletic |publisher=The New York Times |access-date=6 April 2025 |issn=1553-8095 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406081516/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6258403/2025/04/06/japanese-grand-prix-f1-briefing-max-verstappen-red-bull/ |archive-date=6 April 2025 |url-status=live}} Andrew Benson of BBC Sport described it as "a weekend of the sort of rare perfection that comes only from drivers of the very highest quality".{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/c4g479ewwx2o |title=How Verstappen stole Suzuka with McLaren stuck in 'rabbit hole' |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=6 April 2025 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |access-date=6 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406185033/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/c4g479ewwx2o |archive-date=6 April 2025 |url-status=live}} He finished sixth in Bahrain amidst further performance and pit stop struggles, prompting Red Bull to hold crisis talks over his future.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/14/red-bull-christian-horner-max-verstappen-lewis-hamilton-ferrari-bahrain-grand-prix |title='Very alarming': Red Bull hold crisis talks as Verstappen stews over Bahrain F1 GP |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=14 April 2025 |work=The Guardian |access-date=15 April 2025 |issn=1756-3224 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250414234336/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/14/red-bull-christian-horner-max-verstappen-lewis-hamilton-ferrari-bahrain-grand-prix |archive-date=14 April 2025 |url-status=live}} He returned to pole in Saudi Arabia, where he finished second after receiving a penalty for a first-corner incident with Piastri.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/crkx7g8re82o |title=Verstappen says 'people can't handle the full truth' after Saudi penalty |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=21 April 2025 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |access-date=21 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250421021419/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/crkx7g8re82o |archive-date=21 April 2025 |url-status=live}} Verstappen finished fourth in the Miami sprint, demoted to seventeenth following a penalty for an unsafe pit release;{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/may/03/mclarens-norris-wins-miami-sprint-race-as-hamilton-grabs-third-place-for-ferrari |title=McLaren's Norris wins chaotic Miami sprint race as Hamilton grabs third |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=3 May 2025 |work=The Guardian |access-date=3 May 2025 |issn=1756-3224 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250504013227/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/may/03/mclarens-norris-wins-miami-sprint-race-as-hamilton-grabs-third-place-for-ferrari |archive-date=4 May 2025 |url-status=live}} he took pole for the main race.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/c62zy07nqpro |title=Verstappen beats Norris to Miami pole |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=3 May 2025 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |access-date=4 May 2025}}

Driver profile

=Qualifying pace and consistency=

File:2018 Chinese Grand Prix Qualifying Max Verstappen (27842985498).jpg]]

Following Verstappen's maiden pole position at the 2019 Hungarian Grand Prix, former Formula One World Champion Nico Rosberg described him as the fastest driver in Formula One. Rosberg elucidated that Verstappen did not have the fastest car during the qualifying session in Hungary, emphasising that it was Verstappen's raw speed that allowed him to secure pole position: "Mercedes still had the fastest car, and it's just Verstappen with his driving that put it up there in pole."{{Citation|title=5 reasons why Verstappen is currently the fastest F1 driver {{!}} Hungarian GP Qualifying Analysis| date=3 August 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLGlqQOhZ2Y|access-date=7 January 2022|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013205356/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLGlqQOhZ2Y|url-status=live}}

In 2019, former Formula One World Champion Jenson Button stated that he believes Verstappen is the fastest Formula One driver ever: "I think he is the fastest driver that has ever driven an F1 car. I really do, I think he is unbelievably fast."{{Cite web|date=17 October 2019|title=Button says Verstappen is the fastest F1 driver ever|url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/27867007/verstappen-fastest-f1-driver-ever|url-status=live|publisher=ESPN|access-date=7 January 2022|archive-date=8 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108224915/https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/27867007/verstappen-fastest-f1-driver-ever}} Journalist Scott Mitchell from The Race commented: "When everything comes together, Verstappen is the quickest driver in F1 over one lap, but the odd mistake and scruffy session must be eliminated."{{cite web|date=10 February 2020|title=Ranking Leclerc and Verstappen in the fight to topple Hamilton|url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/ranking-leclerc-and-verstappen-in-the-fight-to-topple-hamilton/|access-date=8 January 2022|website=The Race|archive-date=8 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108192416/https://the-race.com/formula-1/ranking-leclerc-and-verstappen-in-the-fight-to-topple-hamilton/|url-status=live}} Helmut Marko, the advisor to the Red Bull GmbH Formula One teams, stated that Verstappen is the fastest driver Red Bull have ever had.{{cite web |title=Max Verstappen looking set for F1 2020 at Red Bull |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11775650/max-verstappen-looking-set-for-f1-2020-at-red-bull |access-date=18 August 2022 |publisher=Sky Sports |archive-date=18 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818170804/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11775650/max-verstappen-looking-set-for-f1-2020-at-red-bull |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Marko rates the best and worst traits of Red Bull's F1 stars |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/marko-rates-the-best-and-worst-traits-of-red-bulls-f1-stars/10334712/ |access-date=18 August 2022 |website=Autosport |date=8 July 2022 |archive-date=18 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818170804/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/marko-rates-the-best-and-worst-traits-of-red-bulls-f1-stars/10334712/amp/ |url-status=live}}

In 2021, three-time Formula One World Champion Jackie Stewart claimed that Verstappen is the fastest driver in Formula One, but he also added that Verstappen is still in the "puppy stage" of his career.{{Cite web|date=16 September 2021|title=Verstappen now 'fastest driver in the business', Jackie Stewart claims|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/max-verstappen-lewis-hamilton-jackie-stewart-f1-b1921212.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220512/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/max-verstappen-lewis-hamilton-jackie-stewart-f1-b1921212.html |archive-date=12 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=7 January 2022|website=The Independent}} Peter Windsor, an experienced Formula One journalist, expressed Verstappen's ability to change direction "quicker than anybody else" through the high-speed section Maggots and Becketts: Silverstone's fastest sequence of corners. Windsor stressed that Verstappen's lightning-quick change of direction is a result of the innate feel he has for creating the "perfect platform" to achieve what he wants with the car during a lap. He is intrinsically able to create, for "a trillionth of a second", a minuscule "flat area" between the left and the right of a change of direction ahead of him, in order to attain a stable balance with the car before applying the next steering and throttle input.{{Citation|title=If Max is an early braker why is he so fast? By Peter Windsor| date=22 July 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7AgJXQ2rEI|access-date=13 January 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111082058/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=M7AgJXQ2rEI|url-status=live}} Scuderia AlphaTauri's team principal, Franz Tost, declared Verstappen to be the fastest driver in Formula One; following the Dutchman's "really deserved" maiden title triumph in 2021.{{cite news |last=Woodhouse |first=Jamie |title=Franz Tost: 'Fastest driver' Max Verstappen deserved his Formula 1 world title |url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/franz-tost-max-verstappen-deserved-title |access-date=25 October 2023 |work=PlanetF1 |date=14 December 2021 |archive-date=6 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206183802/https://www.planetf1.com/news/franz-tost-max-verstappen-deserved-title/ |url-status=live}} After winning the {{F1|2024}} World Drivers' Championship in the third-placed RB20, James Elson of Motor Sport stated "if there was any doubt beforehand, 2024 proved that Max Verstappen is F1’s best driver", adding that "not only the fastest, capable of creating one-lap magic, he knows how to produce all it takes to win in the race too".{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/2024-f1-drivers-ranked-is-verstappen-really-no1/ |title=2024 F1 drivers ranked: Is Verstappen really No1? |last=Elson |first=James |date=10 December 2024 |magazine=Motor Sport |access-date=10 December 2024 |issn=0027-2019}}

Verstappen received widespread acclaim for his surprise pole lap at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, with Andrew Benson of BBC Sport commenting that "many F1 observers regarded [Verstappen's qualifying lap] as one of the greatest of all time".{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=2025-04-14 |title=Max Verstappen: Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has 'great concern' about world champion's future with team |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/c9dj0elnexyo |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}

=Dominance over teammates=

File:Red Bull duo 2016 Malaysia Race.jpg (left) from {{F1|2016}} to {{F1|2018}}, pictured at the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix.]]

Former Formula One driver Eddie Irvine praised Verstappen, stating that he is "by far the most dominant team leader on the grid." Irvine highlighted that Verstappen "has had many different second drivers in the team and none of them have got close to him."{{cite news |last=Sharan |first=Rahul |title=Irvine finds similarities between Verstappen and Schumacher |url=https://racingnews365.com/irvine-finds-similarities-between-verstappen-and-schumacher |access-date=25 October 2023 |work=RacingNews365 |date=10 June 2021 |archive-date=14 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614105847/https://racingnews365.com/irvine-finds-similarities-between-verstappen-and-schumacher |url-status=live}} During the 2020 season, Jenson Button stated that he does not "think there's been a driver that's annihilated their teammates like he [Verstappen] has in a very long time."{{cite web|title=Button: Verstappen "annihilating" team-mates like Senna|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/button-verstappen-annihilating-team-mates-like-senna-4979817/4979817/|access-date=13 January 2022|website=Autosport|date=25 August 2020 |archive-date=13 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113084508/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/button-verstappen-annihilating-team-mates-like-senna-4979817/4979817/|url-status=live}} Motorsport columnist and former Formula One driver Jolyon Palmer, commented that Verstappen's maiden World Championship triumph could usher in a "new era of dominance" in the sport. Palmer wrote:

[Verstappen's] qualifying pace is frightening and has been the basis for this title-charging campaign. He's had the most pole positions of anyone with 10 – almost half of the races, and it would have been half had he completed his mesmeric Jeddah lap, which ended up being possibly Max's biggest error in a near-perfect season. For a driver who has demolished three successive team mates in three years and made only a handful of small mistakes in that time, you question what scope {{sic|their}} even is for improvement – but if he can take his game onto another level from here, we could be about to see the start of a new era of dominance.{{Cite web|title=PALMER: Whatever you thought of the Abu Dhabi outcome, Verstappen was a worthy champion in 2021|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.palmer-whatever-you-thought-of-the-abu-dhabi-outcome-verstappen-was-a-worthy.6RkHgJTJgx8HjlqwPraGo0.html|access-date=2022-01-27|publisher=Formula One |archive-date=13 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113090926/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.palmer-whatever-you-thought-of-the-abu-dhabi-outcome-verstappen-was-a-worthy.6RkHgJTJgx8HjlqwPraGo0.html|url-status=live}}

Journalist Scott Mitchell expounded the reason why the Dutchman's teammates have fallen short "even with the data". Mitchell wrote: "Verstappen drives mainly on intuition, and that comes from years of training and preparation. He has a database in his head which he can use immediately. Even with data, Gasly and Albon could see where he was faster, but they could never grasp how he was faster there. That's because what makes Verstappen so good is mainly unconscious." According to Mitchell, those years of training and driving on his intuition has made it impossible for other drivers to measure up to Verstappen.{{Cite web|date=19 January 2021|title=Verstappen 'driving style' myth is a trait of greatness|url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/verstappen-driving-style-myth-is-a-trait-of-greatness/|access-date=13 January 2022|website=The Race|archive-date=15 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115064106/https://the-race.com/formula-1/verstappen-driving-style-myth-is-a-trait-of-greatness/|url-status=live}}

File:Verstappen & Perez Chinese GP 2024.jpg (left) from 2021 to 2024, pictured at the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix.]]

Helmut Marko asserted that Verstappen's progress has moved him clear of his former Formula 1 team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, in both qualifying and race trim. "There is specific data," Marko told Autosport, "In qualifying the gap to Ricciardo is greater. The strange thing is Max sometimes slides more, but still manages to keep the tyres alive." Verstappen previously mentioned that he was three or four-tenths faster on average than "very fast qualifier" Daniel Ricciardo.{{Cite web|last=GMM|date=28 September 2017|title=Max Verstappen says he's considerably faster than Red Bull F1 teammate Daniel Ricciardo|url=http://autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a1831511/max-verstappen-says-hes-considerably-faster-red-bull-f1-teammate-daniel/|access-date=15 January 2022|website=Autoweek|archive-date=15 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115065822/https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a1831511/max-verstappen-says-hes-considerably-faster-red-bull-f1-teammate-daniel/|url-status=live}} Marko concluded that then 20-year-old Verstappen "clearly moved away" from Ricciardo since the "second half of the 2018 season."{{Cite web |last1=Nimmervoll |first1=Christian |last2=Mitchell |first2=Scott |date=13 January 2019 |title=Marko: Verstappen moved clear of ex-Red Bull F1 team-mate Ricciardo |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/marko-verstappen-moved-clear-of-ex-red-bull-f1-team-mate-ricciardo-5282660/5282660/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115032851/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/marko-verstappen-moved-clear-of-ex-red-bull-f1-team-mate-ricciardo-5282660/5282660/ |archive-date=15 January 2022 |access-date=15 January 2022 |website=Autosport}}

=Natural talent=

{{multiple image

| width = 200

| direction = vertical

| image1 = 2021 British Grand Prix (51349530573) (cropped).jpg

| alt1 = Max Verstappen driving the Red Bull RB16B (2021)

| image2 = 2022 British Grand Prix (52381404527) (cropped).jpg

| alt2 = Max Verstappen driving the Red Bull RB18 (2022)

| image3 = FIA F1 Austria 2023 Nr. 1 (2) (cropped).jpg

| alt3 = Max Verstappen driving the Red Bull RB19 (2023)

| image4 = Max Verstappen 2024 Chinese GP (cropped).jpg

| alt4 = Max Verstappen driving the Red Bull RB20 (2024)

| footer = Verstappen's four championship-winning cars from top-to-bottom: RB16B ({{F1|2021}}), RB18 ({{F1|2022}}), RB19 ({{F1|2023}}) and RB20 ({{F1|2024}})

}}

Following his maiden Formula One win, at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, three-time World Drivers' Champion Niki Lauda described Verstappen as the "talent of the century."{{cite web|title=Niki Lauda calls Max Verstappen the 'talent of the century'|url=https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a1846031/niki-lauda-calls-f1-driver-max-verstappen-talent-century/|website=autoweek.com|date=16 May 2016|access-date=28 January 2022|archive-date=28 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128125836/https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a1846031/niki-lauda-calls-f1-driver-max-verstappen-talent-century/|url-status=live}} Red Bull team principal Christian Horner stated that Verstappen is the best driver Red Bull have ever seen: "I have no doubt [Verstappen is] the best we have seen on one of our cars, in terms of outright raw ability and commitment. He's the best driver we've seen."{{Cite web |title=Horner on the 'rare' quality Verstappen shares with Hamilton |url=https://racingnews365.com/horner-on-the-rare-quality-verstappen-shares-with-hamilton |access-date=18 August 2022 |website=RacingNews365 |date=10 January 2022 |archive-date=18 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818175204/https://racingnews365.com/horner-on-the-rare-quality-verstappen-shares-with-hamilton |url-status=live}}

Gerhard Berger echoed {{F1|2009}} World Drivers' Champion Jenson Button's comments, anointing Max Verstappen as the Formula One driver of this era with the most raw talent. Speaking to Sport1, Berger ventured: "When it comes to raw talent, Max Verstappen is the most talented of all. But it's not just about raw talent, it's about the whole package. That means it's not just about setting the fastest laps but also to win a race. And not just [about] one race but many and eventually a championship, and championships."{{Cite web|date=15 June 2021|title=Berger: Verstappen probably has most raw talent of all|url=https://www.grandprix247.com/2021/06/15/gerhard-berger-says-when-it-comes-to-raw-talent-max-verstappen-is-probably-on-top-of-it-all/|access-date=8 January 2022|website=GRAND PRIX 247|archive-date=8 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108010013/https://www.grandprix247.com/2021/06/15/gerhard-berger-says-when-it-comes-to-raw-talent-max-verstappen-is-probably-on-top-of-it-all/|url-status=live}}

Two-time World Drivers' Champion Fernando Alonso commented that Verstappen is the standout driver in Formula One, declaring him to be "one step ahead" of everyone. Alonso noted that Verstappen deserved to win the 2021 Formula One World Championship, ahead of the title decider that saw Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton enter level on points: "Mercedes lately have been more performing and they've won a couple of races now, but Max is driving—in my opinion—one step ahead of all of us. We saw the [qualifying] lap in Jeddah, until he touched the wall at the last corner, that lap was coming from Max, not the Red Bull."{{Cite web|title=Alonso believes Verstappen 'driving one step ahead of everyone' as he says Dutchman 'deserves' 2021 title|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.alonso-believes-verstappen-driving-one-step-ahead-of-everyone-as-he-says.2j28pfrHJJlpCfuykTmw0T.html|access-date=12 January 2022|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=12 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112054056/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.alonso-believes-verstappen-driving-one-step-ahead-of-everyone-as-he-says.2j28pfrHJJlpCfuykTmw0T.html|url-status=live}} Karun Chandhok likened Verstappen's ruthless and uncompromising attitude in race combat to seven-time World Drivers' Champion Michael Schumacher.{{cite news |last=Chandhok |first=Karun |title=Karun Chandhok's top 10 Formula 1 drivers of the 2021 season: Who makes the cut after epic year? |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/36347/12498220/karun-chandhoks-top-10-formula-1-drivers-of-the-2021-season-who-makes-the-cut-after-epic-year |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=18 December 2021 |archive-date=18 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218102740/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/36347/12498220/karun-chandhoks-top-10-formula-1-drivers-of-the-2021-season-who-makes-the-cut-after-epic-year |url-status=live}}

=Racecraft=

File:Podium 2017 Malaysia.jpg (left) and Daniel Ricciardo (right) after winning the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix]]

Following Verstappen being given a warning for his driving conduct at the 2016 Belgian Grand Prix, the 18-year-old received the backing of then three-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who commented: "firstly, give the guy a break, he is 18 years old. What the frickin' heck were any of us doing at 18?"{{cite web |title=Verstappen Welcomes Support From Hamilton |url=https://news.sky.com/story/verstappen-welcomes-support-from-hamilton-10567203 |publisher=Sky News |date=6 September 2016 |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-date=5 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205015109/https://news.sky.com/story/verstappen-welcomes-support-from-hamilton-10567203 |url-status=live}}

Despite earning high praise and acclaim from Formula One drivers and experts in and out of the sport, Verstappen faced criticism in the wake of the penalties he incurred during the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Following this race, former Formula One driver Martin Brundle wrote: "Such is [his] car control and cunning, he's sometimes able to pull off the audacious moves and leave a margin of doubt as to whether it's hard racing or simply a professional foul outside of the regulations and it's those moments which are generating the confusion, controversies and inconsistencies. Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher had their faults too, and I was on the receiving end from both of them on occasions, but it's a sizeable dent on their immense reputations, not a positive."{{Cite web|title=Martin Brundle: Max Verstappen must stop these tactics vs Lewis Hamilton for his legacy... but what a title showdown we'll have|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24096/12488713/martin-brundle-max-verstappen-must-stop-these-tactics-vs-lewis-hamilton-for-his-legacy-but-what-a-title-showdown-well-have|access-date=9 January 2022|publisher=Sky Sports|archive-date=9 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109043216/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24096/12488713/martin-brundle-max-verstappen-must-stop-these-tactics-vs-lewis-hamilton-for-his-legacy-but-what-a-title-showdown-well-have|url-status=live}} Following an impressive first half of the 2022 season, journalist David Tremayne claimed Verstappen had elevated himself to a new higher level compared to his 2021 title winning season, suggesting Verstappen's first title had made him more relaxed and "chirpy".{{cite web |last1=Tremayne |first1=David |title=TREMAYNE: Why 2022 Max Verstappen is an upgrade on the 2021 version |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tremayne-why-2022-max-verstappen-is-an-upgrade-on-the-2021-version.6ajpJsL1vXqlNQMzTiTbtL.html |publisher=Formula One |access-date=4 August 2022 |archive-date=4 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804135531/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tremayne-why-2022-max-verstappen-is-an-upgrade-on-the-2021-version.6ajpJsL1vXqlNQMzTiTbtL.html |url-status=live}}

Following the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix, Verstappen received widespread condemnation from fans and media for incidents involving title rival Lando Norris, for which he received 20 seconds worth of time penalties.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/explained-why-the-stewards-decided-to-hit-verstappen-with-not-one-but-two.6oI6P7n0TDUKUC9215E8JW|title=EXPLAINED: Why the stewards decided to hit Verstappen with not one but two penalties in Mexico|publisher=Formula One|date=28 October 2024|access-date=30 October 2024|first=Lawrence|last=Barretto}} Many commentators and former drivers likened his tactics and 'win-at-all-costs' attitude to those of Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher,{{cite web|url=https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/the-michael-schumacher-advice-jos-verstappen-gave-to-max-after-the-mexico-city-grand-prix/|title=The Michael Schumacher advice Jos Verstappen gave to Max after the Mexico City Grand Prix|website=F1 Oversteer|date=30 October 2024|access-date=30 October 2024|first=Rory|last=Mitchell}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/racing/f1/story/_/id/42043242/to-f1-surprise-max-verstappen-overstepped-mexico-city-grand-prix|website=ESPN|date=27 October 2024|access-date=30 October 2024|first=Nate|last=Saunders|title=To few in F1's surprise, Verstappen overstepped in Mexico}} whilst {{F1|1996}} World Drivers' Champion Damon Hill characterised them as reminiscent of Wacky Races antagonist Dick Dastardly.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/cvge8n9yzdlo|work=BBC Sport|date=30 October 2024|access-date=30 October 2024|title='Dick Dastardly' tactics – Hill criticises Verstappen|first=Bobbie|last=Jackson}} Before the following race in São Paulo, Verstappen criticised the alleged British bias in the media, stating "I have the wrong passport".{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/verstappen-i-have-the-wrong-passport-for-the-f1-paddock/10668853/|title=Verstappen: I have the wrong passport for the F1 paddock|first=Filip|last=Cleeren|date=1 November 2024|access-date=4 November 2024|website=Autosport}} Upon his victory from 17th on the grid in the rain-affected race, he stated in the post-race press conference "I appreciate all of you being here, but I don't see any British press. Do they have to run to the airport, or [do they not] know where the press conference is?"{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/max-verstappen-f1-johnny-herbert-damon-hill-norris-b2640841.html|title=Max Verstappen calls out 'British press' after wet-weather masterclass in Brazil|first=Philip|last=Duncan|date=4 November 2024|access-date=4 November 2024|work=The Independent}}

=Fan support=

File:FIA F1 Austria 2021 Post-Race Scene.jpg]]

Verstappen has accumulated a significant fanbase from around the world, particularly from his home country of the Netherlands. The frequent association of Verstappen with the colour orange—the national colour of the Netherlands—has led to his fanbase being referred to as the Orange Army.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/aug/28/f1-max-verstappen-will-not-forget-win-in-front-of-adoring-orange-army|work=The Guardian|date=28 August 2023|last=Richards|first=Giles|access-date=16 October 2024|title=Max Verstappen adds to highlight reel in front of his adoring orange army}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/303938/max-verstappen-on-the-support-of-the-orange-army.html|website=GPBlog|date=29 September 2024|last=Crothall|first=Sophia|access-date=16 October 2024|title=Verstappen 'wouldn't wish pressure' from Orange Army on anyone}}

Several races across Europe have dedicated Verstappen grandstands to accommodate thousands of travelling Dutch fans, boosting ticket sales at Grands Prix such as in Belgium, Austria and Hungary.{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Luke |title=The Max Factor: How Verstappen's fans have changed F1 |website=Crash |date=26 August 2018 |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/904148/1/max-factor-how-verstappens-fans-have-changed-f1 |access-date=9 February 2022 |archive-date=9 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209210247/https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/904148/1/max-factor-how-verstappens-fans-have-changed-f1 |url-status=live}} A Verstappen grandstand featured at the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/5092/|website=Verstappen.com|date=11 May 2023|title=Exclusive Max Verstappen Grandstand at the Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023|last=Hendrix|first=Niels|access-date=16 October 2024}}

During the 2021 Dutch Grand Prix, the managing director of Honda in Formula One, {{ill|Masashi Yamamoto (motorsport)|lt=Masashi Yamamoto|ja|山本雅史 (モータースポーツ)}}, praised Verstappen's support, stating that "in the six years I've been involved with Honda F1, I've never seen such a great turnout as at the Dutch Grand Prix. It was like being in a football stadium."{{cite web |title=Honda impressed by Verstappen fans: 'Never seen such a great turnout' |website=gpblog.com |date=2 January 2022 |url=https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/102453/honda-impressed-by-verstappen-fans-never-seen-such-a-great-turnout.html |access-date=24 March 2022 |archive-date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223034800/https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/102453/honda-impressed-by-verstappen-fans-never-seen-such-a-great-turnout.html |url-status=live}}

In October 2021, Verstappen was voted the most popular Formula One driver in an official worldwide survey conducted by Nielsen Media Research and Motorsport Network, earning 14.4% of the vote with particular success in the United States and Japan.{{cite web |last=Galloway |first=James |title=F1 fan survey lists Max Verstappen as most-popular driver ahead of Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton |publisher=Sky Sports |date=21 October 2021 |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12440256/f1-fan-survey-lists-max-verstappen-as-most-popular-driver-ahead-of-lando-norris-and-lewis-hamilton |access-date=24 March 2022 |archive-date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223012214/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12440256/f1-fan-survey-lists-max-verstappen-as-most-popular-driver-ahead-of-lando-norris-and-lewis-hamilton |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/new-global-fan-survey-reveals-f1s-most-popular-team-anddriver.2evqTWEPsWYeBlw9vmSyBs|title=New global fan survey reveals Formula 1's most popular team and driver|publisher=Formula One|date=21 October 2021|access-date=16 October 2024}}

The fan-made song "Super Max!", performed by the {{Ill|Pitstop Boys|nl}} in 2016, went viral after his victory at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, topping the Spotify Viral 50 chart in the Netherlands and reaching number two in the United Kingdom.{{cite web |last=Gamble |first=Andrew |title=Verstappen's song 'Super Max' goes viral & enters Spotify's top charts |website=Daily Express |date=15 December 2021 |url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1536642/Max-Verstappen-F1-song-Super-Max-goes-viral-Spotify-top-charts |access-date=12 September 2022 |archive-date=26 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226014407/https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1536642/Max-Verstappen-F1-song-Super-Max-goes-viral-Spotify-top-charts |url-status=live}} Another fan-made EDM track "33 Max Verstappen", was released in 2023, eventually going viral on social media due to internet memes referencing the hook: "tu tu tu du, Max Verstappen".{{cite news |title=The New Max Verstappen Anthem An Absolute Banger Taking Over All-Time Favorite Super Max |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-the-new-max-verstappen-anthem-an-absolute-banger-taking-over-all-time-favorite-super-max/ |last=Suhalka |first=Mahim |date=6 September 2022 |work=EssentiallySports |access-date=2 April 2024 |archive-date=2 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402122316/https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-the-new-max-verstappen-anthem-an-absolute-banger-taking-over-all-time-favorite-super-max/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=On His Birthday, Max Verstappen's Big Spotify Hit Goes Missing |url=https://thesportsrush.com/f1-news-on-his-birthday-max-verstappens-big-spotify-hit-goes-missing/ |last=Gopal Srivastava |first=Naman |date=30 September 2023 |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Sports Rush |archive-date=2 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402122320/https://thesportsrush.com/f1-news-on-his-birthday-max-verstappens-big-spotify-hit-goes-missing/ |url-status=live}}

Other racing

=Sportscar racing=

File:MSR_GTP_WGI23_11.jpg (pictured in 2023) tested by Verstappen with Honda Racing Corporation in November 2024.]]

Verstappen tested the Honda NSX-GT—a GT500 class Super GT car—during the 2022 Honda Racing Thanks Day event at Motegi.{{Cite web |last=Klein |first=Jamie |date=26 November 2022 |title=Verstappen samples Honda NSX-GT Super GT car |url=https://www.motorsport.com/supergt/news/verstappen-honda-nsx-motegi-test/10405164/ |access-date=30 November 2024 |website=Motorsport.com}} After winning the event's kart race alongside Marc Márquez, Honda awarded Verstappen—the first Honda-powered World Drivers' Champion since {{F1|1991}}—with an NSX Type S.{{Cite web |url=https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/4987 |title=Max full of gratitude at Honda Racing Thanks Day: 'An incredible feeling'|website=Verstappen.com |date=28 November 2022 |access-date=30 November 2024 |first=Stefan |last=Meens}}

In January 2024, Verstappen drove the Ferrari 296 GT3 at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão, as part of a two-day test with Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters team Emil Frey Racing alongside Thierry Vermeulen,{{Cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/dtm/news/why-verstappen-tested-a-ferrari-gt3-car-for-dtm-team-emil-frey/10563140/ |title=Why Verstappen tested a Ferrari GT3 car for DTM team Emil Frey |date=6 January 2024 |access-date=20 November 2024 |first=Sven |last=Haidinger |website=Autosport}} who competed under the Verstappen.com Racing banner in 2023.{{Cite web |url=https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/5019|title=Thierry Vermeulen takes the next step to contest DTM |date=24 February 2023 |access-date=20 November 2024 |first=Niels |last=Hendrix |website=Verstappen.com}} Team principal Lorenz Frey-Hilti stated "there were also other GT3 cars that day, but I can only say that Verstappen was driving on a different level than the rest. There are good drivers who cannot shine in a GT3 car due to a lack of experience, but Max is different. If something has four wheels, then [he's fast in it]", adding that he was "world-class".{{Cite web |url=https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-amazes-dtm-teamboss-during-test-max-is-on-another-level |title=Verstappen amazes DTM team boss during test: 'Max is on another level' |date=8 January 2024 |access-date=20 November 2024 |first=Rory |last=Mitchell |website=RacingNews365}}

On 19 November 2024, Verstappen drove a prototype for the first time, testing the Acura ARX-06 with Honda Racing Corporation at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, ahead of the {{F1GP|2024|Las Vegas}}.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a62953060/max-verstappen-will-drive-acuras-imsa-gtp-racer-today/ |title=Max Verstappen Will Drive Acura's IMSA GTP Racer Today |date=19 November 2024 |access-date=20 November 2024 |magazine=Road & Track |first=Fred |last=Smith}} Verstappen expressed his desire to compete in the 24 Hours of Daytona and Le Mans after the test, stating that "it's just about finding the time".{{Cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/imsa/news/verstappen-eager-to-race-daytona-24-and-le-mans-after-gtp-car-test/10674741/ |title=Verstappen eager to race Daytona 24 and Le Mans after Acura run |last=Barnes |first=Joey |date=21 November 2024 |website=Autosport |access-date=8 December 2024}}

=Sim racing=

In his free time, Verstappen competes in sim racing. Verstappen stated that it helps him with his real-life racing, keeping him "ready to go".{{cite web |title=How Verstappen uses sim racing to become a better driver |website=RacingNews365 |date=11 January 2022 |url=https://racingnews365.com/how-verstappen-uses-sim-racing-to-become-a-better-driver |access-date=16 January 2022 |archive-date=16 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116135001/https://racingnews365.com/how-verstappen-uses-sim-racing-to-become-a-better-driver |url-status=live}} Since 2015, Verstappen has been a member of Team Redline, a British-Luxembourgish multinational professional sim racing team.{{cite web|title=Team Redline › Max Verstappen|url=https://www.teamredline.com/work/max-verstappen/|access-date=22 January 2022|website=Team Redline|archive-date=22 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122123254/https://www.teamredline.com/work/max-verstappen/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.iracing.com/max-verstappen-joins-team-redline/|title=Max Verstappen Joins Team Redline|date=30 July 2015|access-date=24 November 2024|first=Jaime|last=Baker|website=iRacing}}

==iRacing Special Events (2020–present)==

File:Max Verstappen 2024 iRacing Daytona 24.jpg) won the 2024 iRacing Daytona 24 Special Event in the GTD class.]]

Verstappen has competed in several marquee events on iRacing since February 2019, when he entered the Bathurst 12 Special Event—a 12-hour virtual team endurance race—alongside Lando Norris.{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/esports/news/f1-duo-verstappen-and-norris-team-up-for-iracings-bathurst-12-hour-5283532/5283532/|title=F1 duo Verstappen and Norris team-up for iRacing's Bathurst 12 Hour|date=8 February 2019|access-date=26 November 2024|first=Andrew|last=van Leeuwen|website=Autosport}} The pair won the Spa 24 Special Event in July.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/verstappen-and-norris-win-spa-24-hour-esports-race/|title=Verstappen and Norris win Spa 24-hour esports race|date=22 July 2019|access-date=26 November 2024|website=Motor Sport|first=Jake|last=Williams-Smith}} Verstappen won the Petit Le Mans Special Event in October 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.the-race.com/gaming/verstappen-wallmeier-win-iracings-petit-le-mans-event/|title=Verstappen/Wallmeier win iRacing's Petit Le Mans event|date=4 October 2020|access-date=26 November 2024|first=Matt|last=Beer|website=The Race}} Later that year, Haas driver and R8G eSports founder Romain Grosjean deemed Verstappen to be the "fastest" driver in sim racing.{{cite web|last=GPfans.com|title=Grosjean zou Verstappen wel in zijn sim-team willen: "Hij is het snelst"|url=https://www.gpfans.com/nl/f1-nieuws/60667/grosjean-zou-verstappen-wel-in-zijn-sim-team-willen-hij-is-het-snelst/|access-date=13 January 2022|website=GPfans|date=21 December 2020 |language=nl|archive-date=13 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113111909/https://www.gpfans.com/nl/f1-nieuws/60667/grosjean-zou-verstappen-wel-in-zijn-sim-team-willen-hij-is-het-snelst/|url-status=live}} He entered the eighth round of the 2023 AMX Global League at Imola, winning the first heat.

Verstappen entered the Daytona 24 Special Event in January 2024, winning the GTD class with Redline.{{cite web|url=https://www.goodwood.com/grr/race/modern/esports-news--max-verstappen-wins-at-iracing-24-hours-of-daytona/|title=Esports News {{!}} Max Verstappen wins at iRacing 24 Hours of Daytona|date=23 January 2024|access-date=24 November 2024|first=Andrew|last=Evans|website=Goodwood Road & Racing}} In May, Verstappen received media attention for entering the Nürburgring 24 Special Event on the same weekend as the {{F1GP|2024|Emilia Romagna}};{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/racing/f1briefings/news/f1-news-max-verstappen-wins-24-hour-race-alongside-grand-prix-on-insane-weekend-01hy8mcjz6jb|title=F1 News: Max Verstappen Wins 24-Hour Race Alongside Grand Prix on Insane Weekend|date=19 May 2024|access-date=20 November 2024|first=Alex|last=Harrington|magazine=Sports Illustrated}} he won both events, achieving a record-equalling eighth consecutive pole position at the latter. Following his victory at the former, Ed Hardy of Autosport opined that Verstappen had "firmly established himself as one of the best sim racers in the world".{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/le-mans/news/all-to-know-about-max-verstappens-sim-racing-career-amid-le-mans-24-hours-ambition/10613870/|title=All to know about Max Verstappen's sim racing career amid Le Mans 24 Hours ambition|date=22 May 2024|access-date=24 November 2024|first=Ed|last=Hardy|website=Autosport}} Verstappen won his second Spa 24 Special Event in July that year, completing a perfect season of 24-hour special events.{{cite web|url=https://traxion.gg/max-verstappens-team-redline-win-24-hour-sim-racing-event-on-f1-weekend/|title=Max Verstappen's Team Redline win 24-hour sim racing event on F1 weekend|date=21 July 2024|access-date=24 November 2024|first=Thomas|last=Harrison-Lord|website=Traxion.GG}}

==Le Mans Virtual (2020–2023)==

{{see also|24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual|Le Mans Virtual Series|rFactor 2}}

Verstappen competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual on rFactor 2 in 2020, 2022 and 2023—hosted by Automobile Club de l'Ouest and the FIA World Endurance Championship—as well as two further rounds of the 2022–23 Le Mans Virtual Series in the LMP2 class.{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/le-mans/news/all-to-know-about-max-verstappens-sim-racing-career-amid-le-mans-24-hours-ambition/10613870/|title=All to know about Max Verstappen's sim racing career amid Le Mans 24 Hours ambition|website=Autosport|date=22 May 2024|access-date=26 November 2024|first=Ed|last=Hardy}} He described the former competition as a "clown show" after a technical issue saw him retire from the lead of the 2023 edition,{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/e-sports/esports/frustrated-verstappen-brands-virtual-le-mans-a-clown-show-was-it-justified/|title=Frustrated Verstappen brands Virtual Le Mans a 'clown show': was it justified?|date=16 January 2023|access-date=26 November 2024|first=Cambridge|last=Kisby}} subsequently finishing runner-up in the overall championship to Porsche Coanda.

Verstappen.com Racing

File:DTM 2024 Spielberg Nr. 69 Vermeulen.jpg racing team Verstappen.com Racing.|alt=Thierry Vermeulen driving the Verstappen.com Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 in the 2024 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters at the Red Bull Ring]]

Verstappen founded the eponymous racing team Verstappen.com Racing in 2022, supporting Thierry Vermeulen in the ADAC GT Masters and Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters.{{Cite web |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/max-verstappen-racing-team-gt3-world-challenge-dtm-2025/ |title=What you should know about Max Verstappen's own team's 2025 plans |last1=Villemant |first1=Thibaut |last2=Khorounzhiy |first2=Valentin |date=6 March 2025 |website=The Race |publisher=The Race Media |access-date=9 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306203816/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/max-verstappen-racing-team-gt3-world-challenge-dtm-2025/ |archive-date=6 March 2025 |url-status=live}} In 2025, Verstappen.com expanded into GT World Challenge Europe, with his sim racing teammate Chris Lulham competing alongside Vermeulen and Harry King;{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/can-max-verstappens-new-racing-team-succeed-where-other-f1-champs-failed/ |url-access=registration |title=Can Max Verstappen's new racing team succeed where other F1 champs failed? |last=Elson |first=James |date=6 March 2025 |magazine=Motor Sport |access-date=9 March 2025 |issn=0027-2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306223009/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/can-max-verstappens-new-racing-team-succeed-where-other-f1-champs-failed/ |archive-date=6 March 2025 |url-status=live}} they will drive the Ferrari 296 GT3 in the Sprint Cup and the Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo in the Endurance Cup, the former entry supported by Emil Frey Racing and the latter by 2 Seas Motorsport.{{Cite web |url=https://www.motorsport.com/gtwce-endurance/news/verstappen-expands-own-team-into-gt-world-challenge-europe/10700804/ |title=Verstappen expands his team into GT World Challenge Europe |last=Watkins |first=Gary |date=6 March 2025 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |access-date=4 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306152321/https://www.motorsport.com/gtwce-endurance/news/verstappen-expands-own-team-into-gt-world-challenge-europe/10700804/ |archive-date=6 March 2025 |url-status=live}}

Personal life

Verstappen holds dual Dutch and Belgian citizenship, and decided to compete with a Dutch racing license, as his father Jos did. He stated in 2014 that he "feels more Dutch", having spent more time with his father than with his mother during his childhood, as well as his upbringing in Maaseik, a Belgian town at the Dutch border. The following year, Verstappen added that he "actually only lived in Belgium to sleep", and that he "was raised as a Dutch person and that's how [he feels]".{{Cite web|url=https://www.gpfans.com/nl/artikelen/41751/dit-is-waarom-max-verstappen-niet-onder-de-belgische-vlag-rijdt/|title=Dit is waarom Max Verstappen niet onder de Belgische vlag rijdt|website=GPfans|date=3 July 2019 |access-date=1 November 2020|archive-date=19 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919153745/https://www.gpfans.com/nl/artikelen/41751/dit-is-waarom-max-verstappen-niet-onder-de-belgische-vlag-rijdt/|url-status=live}} In 2022, Verstappen stated that he appreciates both sides and is "half-half at the end of the day".{{Cite web |last=Moeke |first=Patrick |date=1 September 2022 |title='Belg' Verstappen vroeg direct toen hij achttien jaar werd Nederlands paspoort aan. |trans-title='Belgian' Verstappen applied for Dutch passport right after turning eighteen. |url=https://www.nu.nl/formule-1/6221291/belg-verstappen-vroeg-direct-toen-hij-achttien-jaar-werd-nederlands-paspoort-aan.html |website=NU |publisher=MPG Media |language=NL-nl}}

File:PH-DTF Dassault Falcon 900EX (Exxaero).jpg in 2022]]

He competed in Formula One for more than a season before obtaining a road driving licence on his 18th birthday.{{cite web|title=Road legal at last! Verstappen passes driving test on 18th birthday|url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2015/9/verstappen-passes-driving-test-on-18th-birthday.html|publisher=Formula One|access-date=30 September 2015|date=30 September 2015|archive-date=31 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731183946/http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/headlines/2015/9/verstappen-passes-driving-test-on-18th-birthday.html|url-status=live}} Verstappen moved to Monaco the day after, in October 2015 where he has lived ever since.{{cite news|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns32591.html|title=Verstappen moves out of home for Monaco|date=28 November 2015|work=GrandPrix.com|access-date=17 May 2016|archive-date=22 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522214846/http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns32591.html|url-status=live}} In November 2020, Verstappen bought a Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft from Virgin Galactic. The aircraft, registered PH-DTF, was operated by Exxaero.{{cite web |url=https://www.aviation24.be/tour-operators/exxaero/formula-one-racing-driver-max-verstappen-acquires-former-virgin-galactic-private-jet/ |title=Formula One racing driver Max Verstappen acquires former Virgin Galactic private jet |first=Bart |last=Noeth |publisher=Aviation24 |date=20 November 2021 |access-date=26 January 2022 |archive-date=26 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126173346/https://www.aviation24.be/tour-operators/exxaero/formula-one-racing-driver-max-verstappen-acquires-former-virgin-galactic-private-jet/ |url-status=live}} In January 2025, he acquired a Mangusta GranSport 33 yacht, named Unleash the Lion.{{cite web |url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/first-look-max-verstappen-takes-delivery-of-15m-superyacht/ |title=First look: Max Verstappen takes delivery of his huge $15m superyacht |first=Michelle |last=Foster |publisher=Planetf1 |date=22 January 2025 |access-date=16 February 2025 |archive-date=22 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122121645/https://www.planetf1.com/news/first-look-max-verstappen-takes-delivery-of-15m-superyacht/ |url-status=live}} The following month, he sold the Falcon 900EX and purchased a Dassault Falcon 8X, registered PH-UTL, which is also operated by Exxaero.{{cite web |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/racing/f1briefings/news/max-verstappen-buys-58-million-private-jet-this-is-what-we-know-01jm3gg4tqrb |title=Max Verstappen Buys $58 Million Private Jet – This Is What We Know |first=Alex |last=Harrington |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=14 February 2025 |access-date=16 February 2025}}

Verstappen is a supporter of FC Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven.{{Cite web |last=Moerman |first=Christian |date=26 November 2021 |title=Verstappen over favoriete club FC Barcelona: 'Ik baalde van vertrek Koeman' |trans-title=Verstappen about favorite club FC Barcelona: "I was disappointed with the departure of Koeman" |url=https://www.f1maximaal.nl/max-verstappen/verstappen-over-favoriete-club-fc-barcelona-ik-baalde-van-vertrek-koeman |access-date=16 May 2022 |website=F1Maximaal.nl |language=nl |archive-date=31 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531140907/https://www.f1maximaal.nl/max-verstappen/verstappen-over-favoriete-club-fc-barcelona-ik-baalde-van-vertrek-koeman |url-status=live}} Verstappen speaks three languages, Dutch, English and German, the latter of which he learned while karting with Michael Schumacher.{{cite web |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/news-depends-with-without-alcohol-when-max-verstappen-gave-hilarious-reply-questioned-many-languages-can-speak |title="Depends. With or without alcohol?": When Max Verstappen gave a hilarious reply to being questioned how many languages he can speak |date=16 December 2024 |accessdate=3 February 2025 |last=Kabra |first=Akshat |website=sportskeeda.com}} In September 2022, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau in recognition of his racing achievements.{{Cite web|url=https://nltimes.nl/2022/09/01/royal-honor-max-verstappen-appointed-officer-order-oranje-nassau|title=Royal honor for Max Verstappen: Appointed Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau|access-date=1 September 2022|date=1 September 2022|website=NL Times|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013203401/https://nltimes.nl/2022/09/01/royal-honor-max-verstappen-appointed-officer-order-oranje-nassau|url-status=live}}

Verstappen has been dating Brazilian-Dutch model Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time World Drivers' Champion Nelson Piquet, since October 2020.{{cite web |author1=Bethânia Nunes |author2=Marina Ferreira |title=Modelo Kelly Piquet assume romance com piloto da Fórmula 1 Max Verstappen |url=https://www.metropoles.com/colunas/claudia-meireles/modelo-kelly-piquet-assume-romance-com-piloto-da-formula-1-max-verstappen |website=Metrópoles |access-date=13 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313152034/https://www.metropoles.com/colunas/claudia-meireles/modelo-kelly-piquet-assume-romance-com-piloto-da-formula-1-max-verstappen |archive-date=13 March 2021 |language=pt |date=1 January 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/max-verstappen-and-kelly-piquets-relationship-timeline/|website=Us Weekly|date=15 October 2024|access-date=2 November 2024|title=Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet's Relationship Timeline|archive-date=15 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515125609/https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/max-verstappen-and-kelly-piquets-relationship-timeline/|url-status=live}} They had their first daughter, Lily, in April 2025.{{Cite web |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/max-verstappen-speaks-out-for-the-first-time-since-becoming-a-dad/10718883/ |title=Max Verstappen speaks out for the first time since becoming a dad |last=Selleck |first=Emily |date=2 May 2025 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |access-date=2 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250502232505/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/max-verstappen-speaks-out-for-the-first-time-since-becoming-a-dad/10718883/ |archive-date=2 May 2025 |url-status=live}}

Awards and honours

=Formula One=

Formula One World Drivers' Championship: {{F1|2021}}, {{F1|2022}}, {{F1|2023}}, {{F1|2024}}
DHL Fastest Lap Award: 2022, 2023
FIA Action of the Year: 2015, 2016, 2019{{cite web|title=Verstappen a double winner at FIA Prize Giving|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/12/verstappen-a-double-winner-at-fia-prize-giving.html|publisher=Formula One|access-date=3 December 2016|archive-date=3 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203171034/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2016/12/verstappen-a-double-winner-at-fia-prize-giving.html|url-status=live}}
FIA Rookie of the Year: 2015{{cite web|title=Verstappen picks up three awards at FIA Gala|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2015/12/verstappen-picks-up-three-awards-at-fia-gala.html|publisher=Formula One|access-date=4 December 2015|archive-date=4 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304085511/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2015/12/verstappen-picks-up-three-awards-at-fia-gala.html|url-status=live}}
FIA Personality of the Year: 2015, 2016, 2017{{cite web|title=Verstappen wins third FIA Personality of the Year award|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/hamilton-verstappen-leclerc-star-at-fia-awards.6aI2kWURjO80YgOs2mKuK2|publisher=Formula One|access-date=9 December 2017}}
Lorenzo Bandini Trophy: 2016{{Cite web|title=VINCITORE EDIZIONE 2016 Max Verstappen|url=https://www.trofeobandini.it/edizioni/max-verstappen/|publisher=Associazione Trofeo Lorenzo Bandini|access-date=18 July 2016|archive-date=20 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120102826/https://www.trofeobandini.it/edizioni/max-verstappen/|url-status=live}}

=Other awards=

Time 100: 2024{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/6964847/max-verstappen/|title=Max Verstappen is on the 2024 TIME100 List|date=17 April 2024|access-date=4 December 2024|magazine=Time|first=Sean|last=Gregory}}
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: 2022{{Cite web|title=Laureus World Sports Awards 2022 Winners & Nominees|url=https://www.laureus.com/World-Sports-Awards/2022|publisher=Laureus Sport for Good Foundation|access-date=2 February 2022|archive-date=2 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202134851/https://www.laureus.com/World-Sports-Awards/2022|url-status=live}}
Dutch Sportsman of the Year: 2016, 2021, 2022[https://www.nocnsf.nl/sportgala-2016/sportman-van-het-jaar-2016 Sportman van het Jaar 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531091328/https://www.nocnsf.nl/sportgala-2016/sportman-van-het-jaar-2016|date=31 May 2019}}[https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/1143920923/max-verstappen-gekozen-tot-sportman-van-het-jaar-sifan-hassan-beste-sportvrouw Max Verstappen gekozen tot Sportman van het Jaar, Sifan Hassan beste sportvrouw] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707101444/https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/1143920923/max-verstappen-gekozen-tot-sportman-van-het-jaar-sifan-hassan-beste-sportvrouw l|date=7 July 2022}} De Telegraaf, 22 December 2021
Autosport International Racing Driver Award: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024{{Cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/autosport-awards/news/verstappen-retains-autosports-international-racing-driver-of-the-year/10692239/ |title=Verstappen retains Autosport's International Racing Driver of the Year |last=Mann-Bryans |first=Mark |date=29 January 2025 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |access-date=29 January 2025 |issn=0269-946X |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130051102/https://www.autosport.com/autosport-awards/news/verstappen-retains-autosports-international-racing-driver-of-the-year/10692239/ |archive-date=30 January 2025 |url-status=live}}
Best Driver ESPY Award: 2023, 2024{{Cite web|title=2023 ESPYS: Full list of award winners|url=https://www.espn.com/espys/story/_/id/38001789/full-list-award-winners|publisher=ESPN|access-date=12 July 2023}}{{Cite web|title=2024 ESPYS: Here is the list of winners|url=https://www.espn.com/espys/story/_/id/40520337/2024-espys-winners-list|publisher=ESPN|access-date=12 July 2023}}
FIA Action of the Year: 2014
Autosport Awards Rookie of the Year: 2015{{Cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/general/news/autosport-awards-2015-max-verstappen-named-rookie-of-the-year-4995667/4995667/ |title=Autosport Awards 2015: Max Verstappen named Rookie of the Year |last=Beer |first=Matt |date=6 December 2015 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |access-date=7 December 2015 |issn=0269-946X |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628060106/https://www.autosport.com/general/news/autosport-awards-2015-max-verstappen-named-rookie-of-the-year-4995667/4995667/ |archive-date=28 June 2023 |url-status=live}}
Autosport Awards Moment of the Year: 2024{{Cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/autosport-awards/news/verstappens-2024-brazil-brilliance-wins-autosports-moment-of-the-year-award/10692246/ |title=Verstappen's 2024 Brazil brilliance wins Autosport's Moment of the Year award |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=29 January 2025 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |access-date=29 January 2025 |issn=0269-946X |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130051547/https://www.autosport.com/autosport-awards/news/verstappens-2024-brazil-brilliance-wins-autosports-moment-of-the-year-award/10692246/ |archive-date=30 January 2025 |url-status=live}}

=Orders and special awards=

{{NED}}
60px Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau (2022){{Cite web|title=Max Verstappen has been appointed Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau|url=https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/4871|publisher=Max Verstappen Official Site|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=22 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022232328/https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/4871|url-status=live}}

Karting record

= Karting career summary =

class="wikitable" style="font-size: 85%; text-align:center" !Season !Series !Team !Position
rowspan="3" \|2005 \| align="left" \|VAS Championship – Mini Junior \| align="left" \| \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
align="left" \|Dutch N.A.B. Championship – Mini Junior \| align="left" \| \|16th
align="left" \|Limburgs Kart Championship – Mini Junior \| align="left" \| \| style="background:#DFDFDF;" \|2nd
2006 \| align="left" \|VAS Championship – Mini Junior \| align="left" \| \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
rowspan="3" \|2007 \| align="left" \|Chrono Dutch Rotax Max Challenge – Mini Max \| align="left" \| \|35th
align="left" \|Dutch Championship – Rotax Mini Max \| align="left" \| \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
align="left" \|Rotax Max Challenge Belgium – Mini Max \| align="left" \|Jos Verstappen \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
rowspan="4" \|2008 \| align="left" \|VAS Championship – Mini \| align="left" \| \|NC
align="left" \|Belgian Championship – Cadet \| rowspan="2" align="left" \|Jos Verstappen \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
align="left" \|Rotax Max Challenge Belgium – Mini Max \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
align="left" \|BNL Karting Series – Mini Max \| align="left" \|Verstappen Racing \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
rowspan="3" \|2009 \| align="left" \|Rotax Max Challenge Belgium – Mini Max \| align="left" \| \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
align="left" \|Belgian Championship – KF5 \| rowspan="2" align="left" \|Pex Racing Team \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
align="left" \|BNL Karting Series – Mini Max \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
rowspan="7" \|2010 \| align="left" \|South Garda Winter Cup – KF3 \| rowspan="7" align="left" \|CRG \| style="background:#DFDFDF;" \|2nd
align="left" \|WSK Euro Series – KF3 \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
align="left" \|CIK-FIA European Championship – KF3 \|5th
align="left" \|CIK-FIA World Cup – KF3 \| style="background:#DFDFDF;" \|2nd
align="left" \|Bridgestone Cup European Final – KF3 \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
align="left" \|WSK World Series – KF3 \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
align="left" \|WSK Nations Cup – KF3 \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
rowspan="6" \|2011 \| align="left" \|South Garda Winter Cup – KF3 \| rowspan="6" align="left" \|CRG \| style="background:#DFDFDF;" \|2nd
align="left" \|WSK Master Series – KF3 \|19th
align="left" \|North European Trophy – KF3 \|DNF
align="left" \|CIK-FIA European Championship – KF3 \|14th
align="left" \|WSK Euro Series – KF3 \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
align="left" \|CIK-FIA World Cup – KF3 \|DNF
rowspan="10" \|2012 \| align="left" \|South Garda Winter Cup – KF2 \| rowspan="6" align="left" \|Intrepid Driver Program \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
align="left" \|BNL Karting Series – KZ2 \|10th
align="left" \|WSK Master Series – KF2 \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
align="left" \|CIK-FIA European Championship – KF2 \|10th
align="left" \|WSK Euro Series – KF2 \|6th
align="left" \|German Karting Championship – KZ2 \|NC
align="left" \|CIK-FIA World Cup – KZ2 \| rowspan="3" align="left" \|CRG \|DNF
align="left" \|CIK-FIA World Cup – KF2 \| style="background:#DFDFDF;" \|2nd
align="left" \|CIK-FIA World Championship – KF1 \|8th
align="left" \|SKUSA SuperNationals – KZ2 \| align="left" \|PSL Karting \|21st
rowspan="8" \|2013 \| align="left" \|South Garda Winter Cup – KF2 \| rowspan="8" align="left" \|CRG \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
align="left" \|Rotax Max Euro Challenge – Senior \|32nd
align="left" \|WSK Euro Series – KZ1 \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
align="left" \|WSK Master Series – KZ2 \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
align="left" \|CIK-FIA European Championship – KF \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
align="left" \|CIK-FIA European Championship – KZ \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
align="left" \|CIK-FIA World Championship – KF \| style="background:#FFDF9F;" \|3rd
align="left" \|CIK-FIA World Championship – KZ \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st
colspan="4" \|Sources:{{Cite web\|title=Max Verstappen\|url=https://www.driverdb.com/drivers/max-verstappen/\|access-date=1 December 2021\|website=driverdb.com\|archive-date=18 April 2012\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418052631/https://www.driverdb.com/drivers/max-verstappen/\|url-status=live}}{{Cite web\|last=kartcom\|date=4 February 2010\|title=Verstappen Max\|url=https://www.kartcom.com/pilot/verstappen-max/\|access-date=1 December 2021\|language=fr-FR\|archive-date=1 December 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201193720/https://www.kartcom.com/pilot/verstappen-max/\|url-status=live}}

class="wikitable" style="font-size: 85%; text-align:center"

!Season

!Series

!Team

!Position

rowspan="3" |2005

| align="left" |VAS Championship – Mini Junior

| align="left" |

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

align="left" |Dutch N.A.B. Championship – Mini Junior

| align="left" |

|16th

align="left" |Limburgs Kart Championship – Mini Junior

| align="left" |

| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |2nd

2006

| align="left" |VAS Championship – Mini Junior

| align="left" |

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

rowspan="3" |2007

| align="left" |Chrono Dutch Rotax Max Challenge – Mini Max

| align="left" |

|35th

align="left" |Dutch Championship – Rotax Mini Max

| align="left" |

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

align="left" |Rotax Max Challenge Belgium – Mini Max

| align="left" |Jos Verstappen

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

rowspan="4" |2008

| align="left" |VAS Championship – Mini

| align="left" |

|NC

align="left" |Belgian Championship – Cadet

| rowspan="2" align="left" |Jos Verstappen

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

align="left" |Rotax Max Challenge Belgium – Mini Max

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

align="left" |BNL Karting Series – Mini Max

| align="left" |Verstappen Racing

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

rowspan="3" |2009

| align="left" |Rotax Max Challenge Belgium – Mini Max

| align="left" |

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

align="left" |Belgian Championship – KF5

| rowspan="2" align="left" |Pex Racing Team

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

align="left" |BNL Karting Series – Mini Max

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

rowspan="7" |2010

| align="left" |South Garda Winter Cup – KF3

| rowspan="7" align="left" |CRG

| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |2nd

align="left" |WSK Euro Series – KF3

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

align="left" |CIK-FIA European Championship – KF3

|5th

align="left" |CIK-FIA World Cup – KF3

| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |2nd

align="left" |Bridgestone Cup European Final – KF3

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

align="left" |WSK World Series – KF3

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

align="left" |WSK Nations Cup – KF3

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

rowspan="6" |2011

| align="left" |South Garda Winter Cup – KF3

| rowspan="6" align="left" |CRG

| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |2nd

align="left" |WSK Master Series – KF3

|19th

align="left" |North European Trophy – KF3

|DNF

align="left" |CIK-FIA European Championship – KF3

|14th

align="left" |WSK Euro Series – KF3

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

align="left" |CIK-FIA World Cup – KF3

|DNF

rowspan="10" |2012

| align="left" |South Garda Winter Cup – KF2

| rowspan="6" align="left" |Intrepid Driver Program

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

align="left" |BNL Karting Series – KZ2

|10th

align="left" |WSK Master Series – KF2

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

align="left" |CIK-FIA European Championship – KF2

|10th

align="left" |WSK Euro Series – KF2

|6th

align="left" |German Karting Championship – KZ2

|NC

align="left" |CIK-FIA World Cup – KZ2

| rowspan="3" align="left" |CRG

|DNF

align="left" |CIK-FIA World Cup – KF2

| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |2nd

align="left" |CIK-FIA World Championship – KF1

|8th

align="left" |SKUSA SuperNationals – KZ2

| align="left" |PSL Karting

|21st

rowspan="8" |2013

| align="left" |South Garda Winter Cup – KF2

| rowspan="8" align="left" |CRG

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

align="left" |Rotax Max Euro Challenge – Senior

|32nd

align="left" |WSK Euro Series – KZ1

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

align="left" |WSK Master Series – KZ2

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

align="left" |CIK-FIA European Championship – KF

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

align="left" |CIK-FIA European Championship – KZ

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

align="left" |CIK-FIA World Championship – KF

| style="background:#FFDF9F;" |3rd

align="left" |CIK-FIA World Championship – KZ

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

colspan="4" |Sources:{{Cite web|title=Max Verstappen|url=https://www.driverdb.com/drivers/max-verstappen/|access-date=1 December 2021|website=driverdb.com|archive-date=18 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418052631/https://www.driverdb.com/drivers/max-verstappen/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=kartcom|date=4 February 2010|title=Verstappen Max|url=https://www.kartcom.com/pilot/verstappen-max/|access-date=1 December 2021|language=fr-FR|archive-date=1 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201193720/https://www.kartcom.com/pilot/verstappen-max/|url-status=live}}

= Complete CIK-FIA Karting European Championship results =

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%" !Year !Team !Class !1 !2 !3 !4 !5 !6 !DC !Points
2010 !nowrap\|CRG !KF3 \| style="background:#CFCFFF;" \|GEN QH {{small\|12}} \| style="background:#FFDF9F;" \|GEN PF {{small\|3}} \| style="background:#DFFFDF;" \|GEN F {{small\|5}} \| colspan="3" \| !5th !-
2011 !nowrap\|CRG !KF3 \| style="background:#DFDFDF;" \|ZUE QH {{small\|2}} \| style="background:#CFCFFF;" \|ZUE PF {{small\|16}} \| style="background:#CFCFFF;" \|ZUE F {{small\|14}} \| colspan="3" \| !14th !-
2012 !nowrap\|Intrepid !KF2 \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|WAC QH {{small\|1}} \| style="background:#DFDFDF;" \|WAC R1 {{small\|(2)}} \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|WAC R2 {{small\|1}} \| style="background:#CFCFFF;" \|PFI QH {{small\|20}} \| style="background:#000000;color:#ffffff" \|PFI R1 {{small\|DSQ}} \| style="background:#000000;color:#ffffff" \|PFI R2 {{small\|DSQ}} !10th !25
rowspan=2 \|2013 !nowrap rowspan=2\| CRG !KF \| style="background:#CFCFFF;" \|ALC QH {{small\|11}} \| style="background:#DFDFDF;" \|ALC PF {{small\|2}} \| style="background:#FFDF9F;" \|ALC F {{small\|3}} \| style="background:#DFDFDF;" \|ORT QH {{small\|2}} \| style="background:#DFDFDF;" \|ORT PF {{small\|2}} \| style="background:#DFDFDF;" \|ORT F {{small\|2}} ! style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st ! style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|36
KZ \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|WAC QH {{small\|1}} \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|WAC PF {{small\|1}} \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|WAC F {{small\|1}} \| style="background:#DFFFDF;" \|GEN QH {{small\|9}} \| style="background:#DFDFDF;" \|GEN PF {{small\|2}} \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|GEN F {{small\|1}} ! style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st ! style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|50

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%"

!Year

!Team

!Class

!DC

!Points

2010

!nowrap|CRG

!KF3

| style="background:#CFCFFF;" |GEN
QH
{{small|12}}

| style="background:#FFDF9F;" |GEN
PF
{{small|3}}

| style="background:#DFFFDF;" |GEN
F
{{small|5}}

| colspan="3" |

!5th

2011

!nowrap|CRG

!KF3

| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |ZUE
QH
{{small|2}}

| style="background:#CFCFFF;" |ZUE
PF
{{small|16}}

| style="background:#CFCFFF;" |ZUE
F
{{small|14}}

| colspan="3" |

!14th

2012

!nowrap|Intrepid

!KF2

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |WAC
QH
{{small|1}}

| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |WAC
R1
{{small|(2)}}

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |WAC
R2
{{small|1}}

| style="background:#CFCFFF;" |PFI
QH
{{small|20}}

| style="background:#000000;color:#ffffff" |PFI
R1
{{small|DSQ}}

| style="background:#000000;color:#ffffff" |PFI
R2
{{small|DSQ}}

!10th

!25

rowspan=2 |2013

!nowrap rowspan=2| CRG

!KF

| style="background:#CFCFFF;" |ALC
QH
{{small|11}}

| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |ALC
PF
{{small|2}}

| style="background:#FFDF9F;" |ALC
F
{{small|3}}

| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |ORT
QH
{{small|2}}

| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |ORT
PF
{{small|2}}

| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |ORT
F
{{small|2}}

! style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

! style="background:#FFFFBF;" |36

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |WAC
QH
{{small|1}}

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |WAC
PF
{{small|1}}

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |WAC
F
{{small|1}}

| style="background:#DFFFDF;" |GEN
QH
{{small|9}}

| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |GEN
PF
{{small|2}}

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |GEN
F
{{small|1}}

! style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

! style="background:#FFFFBF;" |50

= Complete CIK-FIA Karting World Championship results =

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%" !Year !Team !Class !1 !2 !3 !4 !5 !6 !7 !8 !9 !10 !11 !12 !DC !Points
2012 !nowrap\|Intrepid !KF1 \| style="background:#CFCFFF;" \|SUZ QH1 {{small\|31}} \| style="background:#DFFFDF;" \|SUZ R1 {{small\|13}} \| style="background:#DFFFDF;" \|SUZ R2 {{small\|4}} \| style="background:#DFDFDF;" \|SUZ QH2 {{small\|2}} \| style="background:#FFDF9F" \|SUZ R3 {{small\|3}} \| style="background:#EFCFFF" \|SUZ R4 {{small\|Ret}} \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|HKG Q1 {{small\|1}} \| style="background:#DFDFDF;" \|MAC R1 {{small\|2}} \| style="background:#EFCFFF;" \|MAC R2 {{small\|Ret}} \| style="background:#DFDFDF;" \|MAC Q2 {{small\|2}} \| style="background:#CFCFFF" \|MAC R1 {{small\|17}} \| style="background:#EFCFFF" \|MAC R2 {{small\|Ret}} !8th !52
rowspan=2 \|2013 !nowrap rowspan=2\| CRG !KF \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|PFI QH {{small\|1}} \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|PFI PF1 {{small\|1}} \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|PFI F {{small\|1}} \| style="background:#DFDFDF;" \|BHR QH {{small\|2}} \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|BHR PF {{small\|1}} \| style="background:#000000;color:#ffffff" \|BHR F {{small\|DSQ}} \| colspan="6" \| ! style="background:#FFDF9F;" \|3rd ! style="background:#FFDF9F;" \|25
KZ \| style="background:#DFDFDF;" \|VAR QH {{small\|2}} \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|VAR PF1 {{small\|1}} \| style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|VAR F {{small\|1}} \| colspan="9" \| ! style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|1st ! style="background:#FFFFBF;" \|50

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%"

!Year

!Team

!Class

!10

!11

!12

!DC

!Points

2012

!nowrap|Intrepid

!KF1

| style="background:#CFCFFF;" |SUZ
QH1
{{small|31}}

| style="background:#DFFFDF;" |SUZ
R1
{{small|13}}

| style="background:#DFFFDF;" |SUZ
R2
{{small|4}}

| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |SUZ
QH2
{{small|2}}

| style="background:#FFDF9F" |SUZ
R3
{{small|3}}

| style="background:#EFCFFF" |SUZ
R4
{{small|Ret}}

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |HKG
Q1
{{small|1}}

| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |MAC
R1
{{small|2}}

| style="background:#EFCFFF;" |MAC
R2
{{small|Ret}}

| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |MAC
Q2
{{small|2}}

| style="background:#CFCFFF" |MAC
R1
{{small|17}}

| style="background:#EFCFFF" |MAC
R2
{{small|Ret}}

!8th

!52

rowspan=2 |2013

!nowrap rowspan=2| CRG

!KF

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |PFI
QH
{{small|1}}

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |PFI
PF1
{{small|1}}

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |PFI
F
{{small|1}}

| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |BHR
QH
{{small|2}}

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |BHR
PF
{{small|1}}

| style="background:#000000;color:#ffffff" |BHR
F
{{small|DSQ}}

| colspan="6" |

! style="background:#FFDF9F;" |3rd

! style="background:#FFDF9F;" |25

| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |VAR
QH
{{small|2}}

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |VAR
PF1
{{small|1}}

| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |VAR
F
{{small|1}}

| colspan="9" |

! style="background:#FFFFBF;" |1st

! style="background:#FFFFBF;" |50

Racing record

= Racing career summary =

class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%; text-align:center"
Season ! Series ! Team ! Races ! Wins ! Poles ! {{abbr\|F/Laps\|Fastest laps}} ! Podiums ! Points ! Position
rowspan=4\| 2014 \|align=left\| Florida Winter Series \| {{N/A}} \| 12 \| 2 \| 3 \| 3 \| 5 \| {{N/A}} \| {{N/A}}
align=left\| FIA Formula 3 European Championship \|align=left rowspan=2\| Van Amersfoort Racing \| 33 \| 10 \| 7 \| 7 \| 16 \| 411 \|style="background:#FFDF9F;"\| 3rd
align=left\| Macau Grand Prix \| 1 \| 0 \| 0 \| 1 \| 0 \| {{N/A}} \| 7th
align=left\| Zandvoort Masters \|align=left\| Motopark \| 1 \| 1 \| 1 \| 0 \| 1 \| {{N/A}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF;"\| 1st
2015 \|align=left\| Formula One \|align=left\| Scuderia Toro Rosso \| 19 \| 0 \| 0 \| 0 \| 0 \| 49 \| 12th
rowspan=2\| 2016 \|align=left rowspan=2\| Formula One \|align=left\| Scuderia Toro Rosso \| 4 \| 0 \| 0 \| 0 \| 0 \|rowspan=2\| 204 \|rowspan=2\| 5th
align=left\| Red Bull Racing \| 17 \| 1 \| 0 \| 1 \| 7
2017 \|align=left\| Formula One \|align=left\| Red Bull Racing \| 20 \| 2 \| 0 \| 1 \| 4 \| 168 \| 6th
2018 \|align=left\| Formula One \|align=left\| Aston Martin Red Bull Racing \| 21 \| 2 \| 0 \| 2 \| 11 \| 249 \| 4th
2019 \|align=left\| Formula One \|align=left\| Aston Martin Red Bull Racing \| 21 \| 3 \| 2 \| 3 \| 9 \| 278 \|style="background:#FFDF9F;"\| 3rd
2020 \|align=left\| Formula One \|align=left\| Aston Martin Red Bull Racing \| 17 \| 2 \| 1 \| 3 \| 11 \| 214 \|style="background:#FFDF9F;"\| 3rd
2021 \|align=left\| Formula One \|align=left\| Red Bull Racing Honda \| 22 \| 10 \| 10 \| 6 \| 18 \| 395.5 ! {{Coltit\|FFFFBF\|x=}} 1st
2022 \|align=left\| Formula One \|align=left\| Oracle Red Bull Racing \| 22 \| 15 \| 7 \| 5 \| 17 \| 454 ! {{Coltit\|FFFFBF\|x=}} 1st
2023 \|align=left\| Formula One \|align=left\| Oracle Red Bull Racing \| 22 \| 19 \| 12 \| 9 \| 21 \| 575 ! {{Coltit\|FFFFBF\|x=}} 1st
2024 \|align=left\| Formula One \|align=left\| Oracle Red Bull Racing \| 24 \| 9 \| 8 \| 3 \| 14 \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|points}} ! {{Coltit\|FFFFBF\|x=}} 1st
2025 \|align=left\| Formula One \|align=left\| Oracle Red Bull Racing \| #2025R \| {{sum\|{{F1stat\|VER\|wins}}
63}} \| {{sum\|{{F1stat\|VER\|poles}}
40}} \| {{sum\|{{F1stat\|VER\|fastestlaps}}
33}} \| {{sum\|{{F1stat\|VER\|podiums}}
112}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|points}}* \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|WDC}}*
colspan=10\|Source:{{Cite web\|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/drivers.html\|title=2021 Driver Standings\|access-date=13 December 2021\|publisher=Formula One\|archive-date=28 March 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210328180631/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/drivers.html\|url-status=live}}

class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%; text-align:center"

Season

! Series

! Team

! Races

! Wins

! Poles

! {{abbr|F/Laps|Fastest laps}}

! Podiums

! Points

! Position

rowspan=4| 2014

|align=left| Florida Winter Series

| {{N/A}}

| 12

| 2

| 3

| 5

| {{N/A}}

align=left| FIA Formula 3 European Championship

|align=left rowspan=2| Van Amersfoort Racing

| 33

| 10

| 7

| 16

| 411

|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| 3rd

align=left| Macau Grand Prix

| 1

| 0

| 1

| 0

| {{N/A}}

| 7th

align=left| Zandvoort Masters

|align=left| Motopark

| 1

| 0

| 1

| {{N/A}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| 1st

2015

|align=left| Formula One

|align=left| Scuderia Toro Rosso

| 19

| 0

| 49

| 12th

rowspan=2| 2016

|align=left rowspan=2| Formula One

|align=left| Scuderia Toro Rosso

| 4

| 0

|rowspan=2| 204

|rowspan=2| 5th

align=left| Red Bull Racing

| 17

| 1

| 0

| 1

| 7

2017

|align=left| Formula One

|align=left| Red Bull Racing

| 20

| 2

| 0

| 1

| 4

| 168

| 6th

2018

|align=left| Formula One

|align=left| Aston Martin Red Bull Racing

| 21

| 2

| 0

| 2

| 11

| 249

| 4th

2019

|align=left| Formula One

|align=left| Aston Martin Red Bull Racing

| 21

| 3

| 2

| 3

| 9

| 278

|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| 3rd

2020

|align=left| Formula One

|align=left| Aston Martin Red Bull Racing

| 17

| 2

| 1

| 3

| 11

| 214

|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| 3rd

2021

|align=left| Formula One

|align=left| Red Bull Racing Honda

| 22

| 10

| 6

| 18

| 395.5

! {{Coltit|FFFFBF|x=}} 1st

2022

|align=left| Formula One

|align=left| Oracle Red Bull Racing

| 22

| 15

| 7

| 5

| 17

| 454

! {{Coltit|FFFFBF|x=}} 1st

2023

|align=left| Formula One

|align=left| Oracle Red Bull Racing

| 22

| 19

| 12

| 9

| 21

| 575

! {{Coltit|FFFFBF|x=}} 1st

2024

|align=left| Formula One

|align=left| Oracle Red Bull Racing

| 24

| 9

| 8

| 3

| 14

| {{F1R2024|VER|points}}

! {{Coltit|FFFFBF|x=}} 1st

2025

|align=left| Formula One

|align=left| Oracle Red Bull Racing

| #2025R

| {{sum|{{F1stat|VER|wins}}

63}}

| {{sum|{{F1stat|VER|poles}}

40}}

| {{sum|{{F1stat|VER|fastestlaps}}

33}}

| {{sum|{{F1stat|VER|podiums}}

112}}

| {{F1R2025|VER|points}}*

| {{F1R2025|VER|WDC}}*

colspan=10|Source:{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/drivers.html|title=2021 Driver Standings|access-date=13 December 2021|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=28 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210328180631/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/drivers.html|url-status=live}}

{{asterisk}} Season still in progress.

=Complete FIA European Formula 3 Championship results=

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%"
Year ! Entrant ! Engine ! 1 ! 2 ! 3 ! 4 ! 5 ! 6 ! 7 ! 8 ! 9 ! 10 ! 11 ! 12 ! 13 ! 14 ! 15 ! 16 ! 17 ! 18 ! 19 ! 20 ! 21 ! 22 ! 23 ! 24 ! 25 ! 26 ! 27 ! 28 ! 29 ! 30 ! 31 ! 32 ! 33 ! DC ! Points
id=2014R\| {{FIAF3\|2014}} !nowrap\| Van Amersfoort Racing ! Volkswagen \|style="background:#EFCFFF;"\| SIL 1 {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| SIL 2 {{small\|5}} \|style="background:#DFDFDF;"\| SIL 3 {{small\|2}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF;"\| HOC 1 {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#FFFFFF;"\| HOC 2 {{small\|DNS}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF;"\| HOC 3 {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#FFDF9F;"\| PAU 1 {{small\|3}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF;"\| PAU 2 {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF;"\| PAU 3 {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF;"\| HUN 1 {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#CFCFFF;"\| HUN 2 {{small\|16}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| HUN 3 {{small\|4}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF;"\| SPA 1 {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF;"\| SPA 2 {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF;"\| SPA 3 {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF;"\| NOR 1 {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF;"\| NOR 2 {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF;"\| NOR 3 {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#FFDF9F;"\| MSC 1 {{small\|3}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF;"\| MSC 2 {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#DFDFDF;"\| MSC 3 {{small\|2}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| RBR 1 {{small\|5}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| RBR 2 {{small\|4}} \|style="background:#CFCFFF;"\| RBR 3 {{small\|12}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF;"\| NÜR 1 {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF;"\| NÜR 2 {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#FFDF9F;"\| NÜR 3 {{small\|3}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF;"\| IMO 1 {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#DFDFDF;"\| IMO 2 {{small\|2}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF;"\| IMO 3 {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF;"\| HOC 1 {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| HOC 2 {{small\|5}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| HOC 3 {{small\|6}} \|style="background:#FFDF9F;"\| 3rd \|style="background:#FFDF9F;"\| 411
colspan="38" \|{{center\|{{small\|Source:{{cite web\|title=Max Verstappen Results\|url=https://motorsportstats.com/driver/max-verstappen/results\|website=Motorsport.com\|access-date=11 December 2021\|archive-date=11 November 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111085110/https://motorsportstats.com/driver/max-verstappen/results\|url-status=live}}}}}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%"

Year

! Entrant

! Engine

! 1

! 2

! 3

! 4

! 5

! 6

! 7

! 8

! 9

! 10

! 11

! 12

! 13

! 14

! 15

! 16

! 17

! 18

! 19

! 20

! 21

! 22

! 23

! 24

! 25

! 26

! 27

! 28

! 29

! 30

! 31

! 32

! 33

! DC

! Points

id=2014R| {{FIAF3|2014}}

!nowrap| Van Amersfoort Racing

! Volkswagen

|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| SIL
1
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| SIL
2
{{small|5}}

|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| SIL
3
{{small|2}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| HOC
1
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#FFFFFF;"| HOC
2
{{small|DNS}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| HOC
3
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| PAU
1
{{small|3}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| PAU
2
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| PAU
3
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| HUN
1
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#CFCFFF;"| HUN
2
{{small|16}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| HUN
3
{{small|4}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| SPA
1
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| SPA
2
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| SPA
3
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| NOR
1
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| NOR
2
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| NOR
3
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| MSC
1
{{small|3}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| MSC
2
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| MSC
3
{{small|2}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| RBR
1
{{small|5}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| RBR
2
{{small|4}}

|style="background:#CFCFFF;"| RBR
3
{{small|12}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| NÜR
1
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| NÜR
2
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| NÜR
3
{{small|3}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| IMO
1
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| IMO
2
{{small|2}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| IMO
3
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| HOC
1
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| HOC
2
{{small|5}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| HOC
3
{{small|6}}

|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| 3rd

|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| 411

colspan="38" |{{center|{{small|Source:{{cite web|title=Max Verstappen Results|url=https://motorsportstats.com/driver/max-verstappen/results|website=Motorsport.com|access-date=11 December 2021|archive-date=11 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111085110/https://motorsportstats.com/driver/max-verstappen/results|url-status=live}}}}}}

= Complete Macau Grand Prix results =

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%" ! Year ! Team ! Car ! Qualifying ! Quali Race ! Main race ! Ref
2014 \| align="left" \| {{flagicon\|NED}} Van Amersfoort Racing \| align="left" \| Dallara F312 \| 3rd \| DNF \| 7th \|{{cite web\|title=Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix – 2014\|url=https://www.speedsport-magazine.com/motorsport/formula-level3/formula-3-macau-grand-prix/2014-results.html\|work=Speedsport Magazine\|access-date=11 December 2021\|archive-date=11 December 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211214958/https://www.speedsport-magazine.com/motorsport/formula-level3/formula-3-macau-grand-prix/2014-results.html\|url-status=live}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%"

! Year

! Team

! Car

! Qualifying

! Quali Race

! Main race

! Ref

2014

| align="left" | {{flagicon|NED}} Van Amersfoort Racing

| align="left" | Dallara F312

| 3rd

| DNF

| 7th

|{{cite web|title=Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix – 2014|url=https://www.speedsport-magazine.com/motorsport/formula-level3/formula-3-macau-grand-prix/2014-results.html|work=Speedsport Magazine|access-date=11 December 2021|archive-date=11 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211214958/https://www.speedsport-magazine.com/motorsport/formula-level3/formula-3-macau-grand-prix/2014-results.html|url-status=live}}

=Complete Formula One results=

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicates fastest lap)

class="wikitable" style="font-size: 85%; text-align: center" ! Year ! Entrant ! Chassis ! Engine ! 1 ! 2 ! 3 ! 4 ! 5 ! 6 ! 7 ! 8 ! 9 ! 10 ! 11 ! 12 ! 13 ! 14 ! 15 ! 16 ! 17 ! 18 ! 19 ! 20 ! 21 ! 22 ! 23 ! 24 ! {{Abbr\|WDC\|World Drivers' Championship standing}} ! Points
{{F1\|2014}} !nowrap\| Scuderia Toro Rosso !nowrap\| Toro Rosso STR9 !nowrap\| Renault Energy F1{{nbhyph}}2014 1.6 V6 t \| AUS \| MAL \| BHR \| CHN \| ESP \| MON \| CAN \| AUT \| GBR \| GER \| HUN \| BEL \| ITA \| SIN \| style="background:#F1F8FF;"\| JPN {{small\|TD}} \| RUS \| style="background:#F1F8FF;"\| USA {{small\|TD}} \| style="background:#F1F8FF;"\| BRA {{small\|TD}} \| ABU \|colspan=5\| ! – ! –
id=2015R\| {{F1\|2015}} ! Scuderia Toro Rosso ! Toro Rosso STR10 ! Renault Energy F1{{nbhyph}}2015 1.6 V6 t \| style="background:#EFCFFF;"\| AUS {{small\|Ret}} \| style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| MAL {{small\|7}} \| style="background:#CFCFFF;"\| CHN {{small\|17^{{dagger}}}} \| style="background:#EFCFFF;"\| BHR {{small\|Ret}} \| style="background:#CFCFFF;"\| ESP {{small\|11}} \| style="background:#EFCFFF;"\| MON {{small\|Ret}} \| style="background:#CFCFFF;"\| CAN {{small\|15}} \| style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| AUT {{small\|8}} \| style="background:#EFCFFF;"\| GBR {{small\|Ret}} \| style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| HUN {{small\|4}} \| style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| BEL {{small\|8}} \| style="background:#CFCFFF;"\| ITA {{small\|12}} \| style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| SIN {{small\|8}} \| style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| JPN {{small\|9}} \| style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| RUS {{small\|10}} \| style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| USA {{small\|4}} \| style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| MEX {{small\|9}} \| style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| BRA {{small\|9}} \| style="background:#CFCFFF;"\| ABU {{small\|16}} \|colspan=5\| ! 12th ! 49
id=2016R rowspan=2\| {{F1\|2016}} ! Scuderia Toro Rosso ! Toro Rosso STR11 ! Ferrari 060 1.6 V6 t \|style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| AUS {{small\|10}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| BHR {{small\|6}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| CHN {{small\|8}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF;"\| RUS {{small\|Ret}} \|colspan=20\| !rowspan=2\| 5th !rowspan=2\| 204
Red Bull Racing ! Red Bull RB12 ! TAG Heuer 1.6 V6 t \| colspan="4" \| \|style="background:#FFFFBF;"\| ESP {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF;"\| MON {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| CAN {{small\|4}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| EUR {{small\|8}} \|style="background:#DFDFDF;"\| AUT {{small\|2}} \|style="background:#DFDFDF;"\| GBR {{small\|2}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| HUN {{small\|5}} \|style="background:#FFDF9F;"\| GER {{small\|3}} \|style="background:#CFCFFF;"\| BEL {{small\|11}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| ITA {{small\|7}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| SIN {{small\|6}} \|style="background:#DFDFDF;"\| MAL {{small\|2}} \|style="background:#DFDFDF;"\| JPN {{small\|2}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF;"\| USA {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| MEX {{small\|4}} \|style="background:#FFDF9F;"\| BRA {{small\|3}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF;"\| ABU {{small\|4}} \|colspan=3\|
id=2017R\| {{F1\|2017}} ! Red Bull Racing ! Red Bull RB13 ! TAG Heuer 1.6 V6 t \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| AUS {{small\|5}} \|style="background:#FFDF9F"\| CHN {{small\|3}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF"\| BHR {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| RUS {{small\|5}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF"\| ESP {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| MON {{small\|5}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF"\| CAN {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF"\| AZE {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF"\| AUT {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| GBR {{small\|4}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| HUN {{small\|5}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF"\| BEL {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| ITA {{small\|10}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF"\| SIN {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF"\| MAL {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#DFDFDF"\| JPN {{small\|2}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| USA {{small\|4}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF"\| MEX {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| BRA {{small\|5}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| ABU {{small\|5}} \|colspan=4\| ! 6th ! 168
id=2018R\| {{F1\|2018}} ! Aston Martin Red Bull Racing ! Red Bull Racing RB14 ! TAG Heuer 1.6 V6 t \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| AUS {{small\|6}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF"\| BHR {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| CHN {{small\|5}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF"\| AZE {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#FFDF9F"\| ESP {{small\|3}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| MON {{small\|9}} \|style="background:#FFDF9F"\| CAN {{small\|3}} \|style="background:#DFDFDF"\| FRA {{small\|2}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF"\| AUT {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#CFCFFF"\| GBR {{small\|15^†}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| GER {{small\|4}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF"\| HUN {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#FFDF9F"\| BEL {{small\|3}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| ITA {{small\|5}} \|style="background:#DFDFDF"\| SIN {{small\|2}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| RUS {{small\|5}} \|style="background:#FFDF9F"\| JPN {{small\|3}} \|style="background:#DFDFDF"\| USA {{small\|2}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF"\| MEX {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#DFDFDF"\| BRA {{small\|2}} \|style="background:#FFDF9F"\| ABU {{small\|3}} \|colspan=3\| ! 4th ! 249
id=2019R\| {{F1\|2019}} ! Aston Martin Red Bull Racing ! Red Bull Racing RB15 ! Honda RA619H 1.6 V6 t \|style="background:#FFDF9F"\| AUS {{small\|3}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| BHR {{small\|4}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| CHN {{small\|4}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| AZE {{small\|4}} \|style="background:#FFDF9F"\| ESP {{small\|3}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| MON {{small\|4}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| CAN {{small\|5}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| FRA {{small\|4}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF"\| AUT {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| GBR {{small\|5}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF"\| GER {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#DFDFDF"\| *HUN* {{small\|2}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF"\| BEL {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| ITA {{small\|8}} \|style="background:#FFDF9F"\| SIN {{small\|3}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| RUS {{small\|4}} \|style="background:#EFCFFF"\| JPN {{small\|Ret}} \|style="background:#DFFFDF"\| MEX {{small\|6}} \|style="background:#FFDF9F"\| USA {{small\|3}} \|style="background:#FFFFBF"\| BRA {{small\|1}} \|style="background:#DFDFDF"\| ABU {{small\|2}} \|colspan=3\| \|style="background:#FFDF9F;"\| 3rd \|style="background:#FFDF9F;"\| 278
id=2020R\| {{F1\|2020}} !nowrap\| Aston Martin Red Bull Racing !nowrap\| Red Bull Racing RB16 !nowrap\| Honda RA620H 1.6 V6 t \| {{F1R2020\|VER\|AUT2}} \| {{F1R2020\|VER\|STY2}} \| {{F1R2020\|VER\|HUN2}} \| {{F1R2020\|VER\|GBR2}} \| {{F1R2020\|VER\|70A2}} \| {{F1R2020\|VER\|ESP2}} \| {{F1R2020\|VER\|BEL2}} \| {{F1R2020\|VER\|ITA2}} \| {{F1R2020\|VER\|TUS2}} \| {{F1R2020\|VER\|RUS2}} \| {{F1R2020\|VER\|EIF2}} \| {{F1R2020\|VER\|POR2}} \| {{F1R2020\|VER\|EMI2}} \| {{F1R2020\|VER\|TUR2}} \| {{F1R2020\|VER\|BHR2}} \| {{F1R2020\|VER\|SKH2}} \| {{F1R2020\|VER\|ABU2}} \|colspan=7\| ! {{F1R2020\|VER\|WDC}} ! {{F1R2020\|VER\|points2}}
id=2021R\| {{F1\|2021}} !nowrap\| Red Bull Racing Honda !nowrap\| Red Bull Racing RB16B !nowrap\| Honda RA621H 1.6 V6 t \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|BHR2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|EMI2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|POR2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|ESP2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|MON2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|AZE2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|FRA2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|STY2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|AUT2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|GBR2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|HUN2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|BEL2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|NED2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|ITA2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|RUS2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|TUR2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|USA2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|MXC2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|SAP2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|QAT2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|SAU2}} \| {{F1R2021\|VER\|ABU2}} \|colspan=2\| ! {{F1R2021\|VER\|WDC}} ! {{F1R2021\|VER\|points2}}
id=2022R\| {{F1\|2022}} !Oracle Red Bull Racing !Red Bull RB18 !Red Bull RBPTH001 1.6 V6 t \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|BHR2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|SAU2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|AUS2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|EMI2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|MIA2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|ESP2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|MON2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|AZE2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|CAN2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|GBR2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|AUT2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|FRA2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|HUN2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|BEL2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|NED2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|ITA2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|SIN2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|JPN2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|USA2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|MXC2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|SAP2}} \| {{F1R2022\|VER\|ABU2}} \|colspan=2\| ! {{F1R2022\|VER\|WDC}} ! {{F1R2022\|VER\|points2}}
id=2023R\| {{F1\|2023}} ! Oracle Red Bull Racing ! Red Bull RB19 ! Honda RBPTH001 1.6 V6 t \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|BHR2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|SAU2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|AUS2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|AZE2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|MIA2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|MON2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|ESP2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|CAN2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|AUT2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|GBR2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|HUN2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|BEL2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|NED2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|ITA2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|SIN2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|JPN2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|QAT2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|USA2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|MXC2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|SAP2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|LVG2}} \| {{F1R2023\|VER\|ABU2}} \|colspan=2\| ! {{F1R2023\|VER\|WDC}} ! {{F1R2023\|VER\|points2}}
id=2024R\| {{F1\|2024}} ! Oracle Red Bull Racing ! Red Bull RB20 ! Honda RBPTH002 1.6 V6 t \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|BHR2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|SAU2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|AUS2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|JPN2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|CHN2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|MIA2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|EMI2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|MON2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|CAN2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|ESP2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|AUT2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|GBR2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|HUN2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|BEL2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|NED2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|ITA2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|AZE2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|SIN2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|USA2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|MXC2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|SAP2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|LVG2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|QAT2}} \| {{F1R2024\|VER\|ABU2}} ! {{F1R2024\|VER\|WDC}} ! {{F1R2024\|VER\|points2}}
id=2025R\| {{F1\|2025}} ! Oracle Red Bull Racing ! Red Bull RB21 ! Honda RBPTH002 1.6 V6 t \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|AUS2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|CHN2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|JPN2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|BHR2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|SAU2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|MIA2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|EMI2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|MON2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|ESP2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|CAN2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|AUT2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|GBR2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|BEL2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|HUN2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|NED2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|ITA2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|AZE2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|SIN2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|USA2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|MXC2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|SAP2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|LVG2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|QAT2}} \| {{F1R2025\|VER\|ABU2}} ! {{F1R2025\|VER\|WDC}}* ! {{F1R2025\|VER\|points2}}*
colspan="30" \|{{center\|{{small\|Sources:{{cite web\|title=Max Verstappen – Involvement\|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/max-verstappen/engagement.aspx\|work=StatsF1\|access-date=11 December 2021\|archive-date=11 December 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211213443/https://www.statsf1.com/en/max-verstappen/engagement.aspx\|url-status=live}}}}}}

class="wikitable" style="font-size: 85%; text-align: center"

! Year

! Entrant

! Chassis

! Engine

! 1

! 2

! 3

! 4

! 5

! 6

! 7

! 8

! 9

! 10

! 11

! 12

! 13

! 14

! 15

! 16

! 17

! 18

! 19

! 20

! 21

! 22

! 23

! 24

! {{Abbr|WDC|World Drivers' Championship standing}}

! Points

!nowrap| Scuderia Toro Rosso

!nowrap| Toro Rosso STR9

!nowrap| Renault Energy F1{{nbhyph}}2014 1.6 V6 t

| AUS

| MAL

| BHR

| CHN

| ESP

| MON

| CAN

| AUT

| GBR

| GER

| HUN

| BEL

| ITA

| SIN

| style="background:#F1F8FF;"| JPN
{{small|TD}}

| RUS

| style="background:#F1F8FF;"| USA
{{small|TD}}

| style="background:#F1F8FF;"| BRA
{{small|TD}}

| ABU

|colspan=5|

! –

id=2015R| {{F1|2015}}

! Scuderia Toro Rosso

! Toro Rosso STR10

! Renault Energy F1{{nbhyph}}2015 1.6 V6 t

| style="background:#EFCFFF;"| AUS
{{small|Ret}}

| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| MAL
{{small|7}}

| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| CHN
{{small|17^{{dagger}}}}

| style="background:#EFCFFF;"| BHR
{{small|Ret}}

| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| ESP
{{small|11}}

| style="background:#EFCFFF;"| MON
{{small|Ret}}

| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| CAN
{{small|15}}

| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| AUT
{{small|8}}

| style="background:#EFCFFF;"| GBR
{{small|Ret}}

| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| HUN
{{small|4}}

| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| BEL
{{small|8}}

| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| ITA
{{small|12}}

| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| SIN
{{small|8}}

| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| JPN
{{small|9}}

| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| RUS
{{small|10}}

| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| USA
{{small|4}}

| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| MEX
{{small|9}}

| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| BRA
{{small|9}}

| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| ABU
{{small|16}}

|colspan=5|

! 12th

! 49

id=2016R rowspan=2| {{F1|2016}}

! Scuderia Toro Rosso

! Toro Rosso STR11

! Ferrari 060 1.6 V6 t

|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| AUS
{{small|10}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| BHR
{{small|6}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| CHN
{{small|8}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| RUS
{{small|Ret}}

|colspan=20|

!rowspan=2| 5th

!rowspan=2| 204

Red Bull Racing

! Red Bull RB12

! TAG Heuer 1.6 V6 t

| colspan="4" |

|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ESP
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| MON
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| CAN
{{small|4}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| EUR
{{small|8}}

|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| AUT
{{small|2}}

|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| GBR
{{small|2}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| HUN
{{small|5}}

|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| GER
{{small|3}}

|style="background:#CFCFFF;"| BEL
{{small|11}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ITA
{{small|7}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| SIN
{{small|6}}

|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| MAL
{{small|2}}

|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| JPN
{{small|2}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| USA
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| MEX
{{small|4}}

|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| BRA
{{small|3}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ABU
{{small|4}}

|colspan=3|

id=2017R| {{F1|2017}}

! Red Bull Racing

! Red Bull RB13

! TAG Heuer 1.6 V6 t

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| AUS
{{small|5}}

|style="background:#FFDF9F"| CHN
{{small|3}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF"| BHR
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| RUS
{{small|5}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF"| ESP
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| MON
{{small|5}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF"| CAN
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF"| AZE
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF"| AUT
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| GBR
{{small|4}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| HUN
{{small|5}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF"| BEL
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| ITA
{{small|10}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF"| SIN
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF"| MAL
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#DFDFDF"| JPN
{{small|2}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| USA
{{small|4}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF"| MEX
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| BRA
{{small|5}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| ABU
{{small|5}}

|colspan=4|

! 6th

! 168

id=2018R| {{F1|2018}}

! Aston Martin Red Bull Racing

! Red Bull Racing RB14

! TAG Heuer 1.6 V6 t

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| AUS
{{small|6}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF"| BHR
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| CHN
{{small|5}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF"| AZE
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#FFDF9F"| ESP
{{small|3}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| MON
{{small|9}}

|style="background:#FFDF9F"| CAN
{{small|3}}

|style="background:#DFDFDF"| FRA
{{small|2}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF"| AUT
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#CFCFFF"| GBR
{{small|15^†}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| GER
{{small|4}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF"| HUN
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#FFDF9F"| BEL
{{small|3}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| ITA
{{small|5}}

|style="background:#DFDFDF"| SIN
{{small|2}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| RUS
{{small|5}}

|style="background:#FFDF9F"| JPN
{{small|3}}

|style="background:#DFDFDF"| USA
{{small|2}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF"| MEX
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#DFDFDF"| BRA
{{small|2}}

|style="background:#FFDF9F"| ABU
{{small|3}}

|colspan=3|

! 4th

! 249

id=2019R| {{F1|2019}}

! Aston Martin Red Bull Racing

! Red Bull Racing RB15

! Honda RA619H 1.6 V6 t

|style="background:#FFDF9F"| AUS
{{small|3}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| BHR
{{small|4}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| CHN
{{small|4}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| AZE
{{small|4}}

|style="background:#FFDF9F"| ESP
{{small|3}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| MON
{{small|4}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| CAN
{{small|5}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| FRA
{{small|4}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF"| AUT
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| GBR
{{small|5}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF"| GER
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#DFDFDF"| HUN
{{small|2}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF"| BEL
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| ITA
{{small|8}}

|style="background:#FFDF9F"| SIN
{{small|3}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| RUS
{{small|4}}

|style="background:#EFCFFF"| JPN
{{small|Ret}}

|style="background:#DFFFDF"| MEX
{{small|6}}

|style="background:#FFDF9F"| USA
{{small|3}}

|style="background:#FFFFBF"| BRA
{{small|1}}

|style="background:#DFDFDF"| ABU
{{small|2}}

|colspan=3|

|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| 3rd

|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| 278

id=2020R| {{F1|2020}}

!nowrap| Aston Martin Red Bull Racing

!nowrap| Red Bull Racing RB16

!nowrap| Honda RA620H 1.6 V6 t

| {{F1R2020|VER|AUT2}}

| {{F1R2020|VER|STY2}}

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| {{F1R2020|VER|RUS2}}

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| {{F1R2020|VER|SKH2}}

| {{F1R2020|VER|ABU2}}

|colspan=7|

! {{F1R2020|VER|WDC}}

! {{F1R2020|VER|points2}}

id=2021R| {{F1|2021}}

!nowrap| Red Bull Racing Honda

!nowrap| Red Bull Racing RB16B

!nowrap| Honda RA621H 1.6 V6 t

| {{F1R2021|VER|BHR2}}

| {{F1R2021|VER|EMI2}}

| {{F1R2021|VER|POR2}}

| {{F1R2021|VER|ESP2}}

| {{F1R2021|VER|MON2}}

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! {{F1R2021|VER|WDC}}

! {{F1R2021|VER|points2}}

id=2022R| {{F1|2022}}

!Oracle Red Bull Racing

!Red Bull RB18

!Red Bull RBPTH001 1.6 V6 t

| {{F1R2022|VER|BHR2}}

| {{F1R2022|VER|SAU2}}

| {{F1R2022|VER|AUS2}}

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! {{F1R2022|VER|WDC}}

! {{F1R2022|VER|points2}}

id=2023R| {{F1|2023}}

! Oracle Red Bull Racing

! Red Bull RB19

! Honda RBPTH001 1.6 V6 t

| {{F1R2023|VER|BHR2}}

| {{F1R2023|VER|SAU2}}

| {{F1R2023|VER|AUS2}}

| {{F1R2023|VER|AZE2}}

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| {{F1R2023|VER|MON2}}

| {{F1R2023|VER|ESP2}}

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! {{F1R2023|VER|WDC}}

! {{F1R2023|VER|points2}}

id=2024R| {{F1|2024}}

! Oracle Red Bull Racing

! Red Bull RB20

! Honda RBPTH002 1.6 V6 t

| {{F1R2024|VER|BHR2}}

| {{F1R2024|VER|SAU2}}

| {{F1R2024|VER|AUS2}}

| {{F1R2024|VER|JPN2}}

| {{F1R2024|VER|CHN2}}

| {{F1R2024|VER|MIA2}}

| {{F1R2024|VER|EMI2}}

| {{F1R2024|VER|MON2}}

| {{F1R2024|VER|CAN2}}

| {{F1R2024|VER|ESP2}}

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! {{F1R2024|VER|WDC}}

! {{F1R2024|VER|points2}}

id=2025R| {{F1|2025}}

! Oracle Red Bull Racing

! Red Bull RB21

! Honda RBPTH002 1.6 V6 t

| {{F1R2025|VER|AUS2}}

| {{F1R2025|VER|CHN2}}

| {{F1R2025|VER|JPN2}}

| {{F1R2025|VER|BHR2}}

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| {{F1R2025|VER|MIA2}}

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| {{F1R2025|VER|CAN2}}

| {{F1R2025|VER|AUT2}}

| {{F1R2025|VER|GBR2}}

| {{F1R2025|VER|BEL2}}

| {{F1R2025|VER|HUN2}}

| {{F1R2025|VER|NED2}}

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| {{F1R2025|VER|AZE2}}

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| {{F1R2025|VER|MXC2}}

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| {{F1R2025|VER|LVG2}}

| {{F1R2025|VER|QAT2}}

| {{F1R2025|VER|ABU2}}

! {{F1R2025|VER|WDC}}*

! {{F1R2025|VER|points2}}*

colspan="30" |{{center|{{small|Sources:{{cite web|title=Max Verstappen – Involvement|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/max-verstappen/engagement.aspx|work=StatsF1|access-date=11 December 2021|archive-date=11 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211213443/https://www.statsf1.com/en/max-verstappen/engagement.aspx|url-status=live}}}}}}

^{{dagger}} Did not finish, but was classified as he had completed more than 90% of the race distance.

^{{{double-dagger}}} Half points awarded as less than 75% of race distance was completed.

{{asterisk}} Season still in progress.

=Formula One records and achievements=

On 3 October 2014, Verstappen became the youngest driver to participate in a Formula One Grand Prix weekend (17 years, 3 days), driving in FP1 at the Japanese Grand Prix, deputising in place of Toro Rosso's Jean-Eric Vergne.{{Cite web |title=Max Verstappen Q&A: I was in full 'safe' mode for debut run |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/interviews/2014/10/Max-Verstappen-Q%26A-I-was-in-full-safe-mode-for-debut-run.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908180111/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/interviews/2014/10/Max-Verstappen-Q%26A-I-was-in-full-safe-mode-for-debut-run.html |archive-date=8 September 2021 |access-date=8 September 2021 |publisher=Formula One}}
On 3 August 2019, Verstappen became the first Dutch Formula One driver to take pole position, doing so at the Hungarian Grand Prix, while also becoming the 100th polesitter in the sport's history.{{cite web |date=3 August 2019 |title=Max Verstappen pakt eerste pole position uit carrière |trans-title=Max Verstappen takes first career pole position |url=https://www.hartvannederland.nl/nieuws/2019/max-verstappen-pakt-eerste-pole-position-uit-carriere/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803222328/https://www.hartvannederland.nl/nieuws/2019/max-verstappen-pakt-eerste-pole-position-uit-carriere/ |archive-date=3 August 2019 |access-date=4 August 2019 |publisher=:nl:Hart van Nederland |language=nl}}
On 23 May 2021, Verstappen became the first Dutch Formula One driver to lead the World Championship after winning the Monaco Grand Prix.{{cite web |author=Noud Bemelen and Rik Spekenbrink |date=23 May 2021 |title=Historische dubbelslag: Verstappen wint GP van Monaco en is eerste Nederlandse WK-leider ooit |trans-title=Historic double: Verstappen wins Monaco GP and is the first Dutch leader of the world championship ever |url=https://www.ad.nl/formule-1/historische-dubbelslag-verstappen-wint-gp-van-monaco-en-is-eerste-nederlandse-wk-leider-ooit~a06b2fb0/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523195919/https://www.ad.nl/formule-1/historische-dubbelslag-verstappen-wint-gp-van-monaco-en-is-eerste-nederlandse-wk-leider-ooit~a06b2fb0/ |archive-date=23 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |publisher=:nl:AD |language=nl}}

Verstappen holds the following Formula One records:

class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
colspan="2" \| Record ! Achieved ! Ref
colspan=4\| Age
Youngest driver to start a race \| 17 years, 166 days \| 2015 Australian Grand Prix \|{{Cite news \|last=Richards \|first=Giles \|date=3 October 2014 \|title=Max Verstappen becomes youngest man to drive a Formula 1 car \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/03/max-verstappen-becomes-youngest-man-to-drive-a-formula-one-car \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316225630/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/03/max-verstappen-becomes-youngest-man-to-drive-a-formula-one-car \|archive-date=16 March 2022 \|access-date=15 December 2016 \|work=The Guardian}}
Youngest driver to score points \| 17 years, 180 days \| 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix \|{{Cite web\|title=Statistics Drivers – Points – By age\|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/point/age.aspx\|website=Stats F1\|access-date=29 March 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317060536/https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/point/age.aspx\|archive-date=17 March 2022\|url-status=live}}
Youngest driver to score a podium finish \| 18 years, 228 days \| 2016 Spanish Grand Prix \|{{Cite web\|title=Statistics Drivers – Podiums – By age\|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/podium/age.aspx\|website=Stats F1\|access-date=29 March 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310074110/https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/podium/age.aspx\|archive-date=10 March 2022\|url-status=live}}
Youngest driver to win a race \| 18 years, 228 days \| 2016 Spanish Grand Prix \|{{cite news\|last=Weaver\|first=Paul\|title=Max Verstappen becomes youngest F1 winner in history at Spanish Grand Prix\|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/15/max-verstappen-youngest-winner-f1-history-spanish-gran-prix\|work=The Guardian\|access-date=2 April 2017\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519111555/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/15/max-verstappen-youngest-winner-f1-history-spanish-gran-prix\|archive-date=19 May 2017\|url-status=live}}
Youngest driver to score a grand slam \| nowrap\| 23 years, 277 days \| 2021 Austrian Grand Prix \|{{Cite web\|title=2021 Austrian Grand Prix report and highlights: Verstappen waltzes to second win in a row at Red Bull Ring, as Bottas beats Norris to P2\|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-waltzes-to-second-win-in-a-row-at-red-bull-ring-as-bottas-beats.31KpLIZDzipY9FhputWqf7.html\|publisher=Formula One\|access-date=4 July 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130235934/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-waltzes-to-second-win-in-a-row-at-red-bull-ring-as-bottas-beats.31KpLIZDzipY9FhputWqf7.html\|archive-date=30 November 2021\|url-status=live}}
colspan=4\| Wins
Most wins in a season \| 19 \| 2023 \|{{Cite web\|title=Statistics Drivers – Wins – In a year\|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/victoire/annee.aspx\|website=Stats F1\|access-date=19 November 2023\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417051716/https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/victoire/annee.aspx\|archive-date=17 April 2010\|url-status=live}}
Most wins in one calendar month \| 4Record shared with Lewis Hamilton. \| 2023 Austrian Grand Prix – 2023 Belgian Grand Prix \|
Most consecutive wins \| 10 \| 2023 Miami Grand Prix – 2023 Italian Grand Prix \|{{cite web\|last=Richards\|first=Giles\|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/sep/03/max-verstappen-wins-record-10th-straight-race-with-italian-f1-gp-victory\|title=Max Verstappen wins record 10th straight race with Italian F1 GP victory\|work=The Guardian\|date=3 September 2023\|access-date=4 September 2023\|archive-date=4 September 2023\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904230308/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/sep/03/max-verstappen-wins-record-10th-straight-race-with-italian-f1-gp-victory\|url-status=live}}
Highest percentage of wins in a season \| 86.36% \| 2023 \|{{cite web\|title=The 71-year-old record Verstappen broke in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix\|date=7 November 2023\|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/explained-the-71-year-old-record-verstappen-broke-in-the-sao-paulo-grand.3LMx4WXMjAiWzIuhnN97Pd\|access-date=7 November 2023\|publisher=Formula One}}
Most wins before first pole position \| 7Record shared with Jackie Stewart. \| 2019 German Grand Prix \|{{cite web\|url=https://www.wtf1.com/post/verstappen-equals-50-year-old-record/\|title=Max Verstappen has equalled a 50-year-old record with his first pole position\|last=Thorn\|first=Dan\|date=3 August 2019}}
Most wins from pole position in a season \| 12 \| 2023 \|{{cite web\|title=F1 records broken by Max Verstappen in 2023\|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-records-broken-by-max-verstappen-in-2023/10543882/\|website=Autosport\|date=26 November 2023 \|access-date=26 November 2023\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128165942/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-records-broken-by-max-verstappen-in-2023/10543882/\|archive-date=28 November 2023\|url-status=live}}
Most wins not starting from pole position in a season \| 9 \| {{F1\|2022}} \|{{cite web\|title=The F1 records Verstappen and Red Bull broke in 2022\|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-f1-records-verstappen-and-red-bull-broke-in-2022/10403497/\|website=Motorsport.com\|date=21 November 2022 \|access-date=22 November 2022\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313034203/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-f1-records-verstappen-and-red-bull-broke-in-2022/10403497/\|archive-date=13 March 2023\|url-status=live}}
Most consecutive wins from pole position \| 18 \| 2022 Dutch Grand Prix – 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix \|
Wins from most different grid slots \| 10 \| 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix \|{{Cite web\|title=Statistics Drivers – Wins – By different grid position\|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/victoire/grille-different.aspx\|website=Stats F1\|access-date=3 November 2024}}
Wins from most different grid slots in a season \| 7 \| {{F1\|2022}} \|
Most sprint wins \| 11 \| 2024 United States Grand Prix sprint \|{{Cite web\|title=Statistics Drivers – Wins – Sprint Wins\|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/sprint/victoire.aspx\|website=Stats F1\|access-date=19 October 2024}}
Most sprint wins in a season \| 4 \| {{F1\|2023}}, {{F1\|2024}} \|{{Cite web\|title=All the records Max Verstappen broke in the 2023 F1 season\|url=https://racingnews365.com/all-the-records-max-verstappen-broke-in-the-2023-f1-season\|date=27 November 2023\|website=Racingnews365.com\|first= Jake\|last=Nichol\|access-date=27 November 2023\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127135005/https://racingnews365.com/all-the-records-max-verstappen-broke-in-the-2023-f1-season\|archive-date=27 November 2023\|url-status=live}}
colspan=4\| Pole positions
Most consecutive pole positions \| 8Record shared with Ayrton Senna. \| 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix \|{{Cite web\|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/may/18/max-verstappen-battles-back-to-claim-emilia-romagna-f1-gp-pole\|title=Max Verstappen battles back to claim Emilia-Romagna F1 GP pole\|work=The Guardian\|first=Giles\|last=Richards\|date=18 May 2024}}
Most consecutive pole positions from first race of season \| 7Record shared with Alain Prost ({{F1\|1993}}). \| {{F1\|2024}} \|{{Cite web\|title=Statistics Drivers – Pole positions – Consecutively in early season\|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/pole/consecutive-debut.aspx\|website=Stats F1\|access-date=18 May 2024}}
colspan=4\| Podium finishes
Most podium finishes in a season \| 21 \| {{F1\|2023}} \|{{Cite web\|title=Statistics Drivers – Podiums – In a year\|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/podium/annee.aspx\|website=Stats F1\|access-date=1 August 2023\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128171152/https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/podium/annee.aspx\|archive-date=28 November 2023\|url-status=live}}
Most consecutive top two finishes \| 15Record shared with Michael Schumacher. \| 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – 2023 Italian Grand Prix \|
colspan=4\| Points
Most points in a season \| 575 \| 2023 \|{{Cite web\|title=Statistics Drivers – Points – In a year\|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/point/annee.aspx\|website=Stats F1\|access-date=1 August 2023\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022232523/https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/point/annee.aspx\|archive-date=22 October 2023\|url-status=live}}
Highest percentage of points in a season \| 92.74% \| 2023 \|
Most consecutive points scored \| 1055 \| nowrap\| 2022 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix \|
Highest average points per race started \| {{#expr:{{F1stat\|VER\|careerpoints}}/{{F1stat\|VER\|starts}} round2}} \| {{Latest F1GP}} \|{{Cite web\|title=Statistics Drivers – Points Average\|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/point/moyenne.aspx\|website=Stats F1\|access-date=4 May 2025}}
Highest average points per race started in a season \| 26.14 \| 2023 \|
Largest points deficit overturned to become World Champion \| 46 \|{{F1\|2022}} \|{{cite web\|title=The F1 records Verstappen and Red Bull broke in 2022 \|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-f1-records-verstappen-and-red-bull-broke-in-2022/10403497/\|website=Motorsport.com\|access-date=22 November 2022\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313034203/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-f1-records-verstappen-and-red-bull-broke-in-2022/10403497/\|archive-date=13 March 2023\|url-status=live}}
Most points between first and second in the World Championship \| 290 \| 2023 \|
Highest percentage points difference between first and second in the World Championship \| 50.43% \| {{F1\|2023}} \|
colspan=4\| Laps led
Most laps led in a season \| 1003 \| 2023 \|{{Cite web\|title=Statistics Drivers – Lead – Laps in a year\|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/entete/tour-annee.aspx\|website=Stats F1\|access-date=9 October 2023}}
Highest percentage of laps led in a season \| 75.70% \| 2023 \|
Most races led in a season \|20 \|2023 \|{{Cite web \|title=Statistics Drivers – Lead – GP in a year\|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/entete/gp-annee.aspx\|website=Stats F1\|access-date=6 January 2024\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208081522/https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/entete/gp-annee.aspx\|archive-date=8 December 2023\|url-status=live}}
colspan=4\| Others
Lowest average speed by a winning driver \|53.583 km/h \|2022 Japanese Grand Prix \|{{Cite web\|title=Statistics Grands Prix – Average – The less\|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/gp/moyenne/lemoins.aspx\|access-date=27 May 2024\|website=Stats F1}}
Most pit stops by a winning driver in a race \|6Record shared with Jenson Button (2011 Canadian Grand Prix). \|2023 Dutch Grand Prix \|
Most races left in a season when becoming World Champion \|6Record shared with Michael Schumacher (2002). \|2023 \|{{cite web\|title=2023 Qatar Grand Prix Facts and Stats: Rookie Piastri claims first F1 win of any kind in Qatar Sprint as Verstappen emulates Fangio\|first=Sean\|last=Kelly\|date=7 October 2023\|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.facts-and-stats-rookie-piastri-claims-first-f1-win-of-any-kind-in-qatar.1faYZYwjJHzdwVggJG212l.html\|access-date=7 October 2023\|publisher=Formula One\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009203117/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.facts-and-stats-rookie-piastri-claims-first-f1-win-of-any-kind-in-qatar.1faYZYwjJHzdwVggJG212l.html\|archive-date=9 October 2023\|url-status=live}}
Most hat-tricks in a season \| 6 \| 2023 \|{{cite web\|title=Statistics Drivers – Hat-tricks – Verstappen Max\|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/divers/detail-max-verstappen--hattrick.aspx\|access-date=23 October 2023\|website=Stats F1\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023112604/https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/divers/detail-max-verstappen--hattrick.aspx\|archive-date=23 October 2023\|url-status=live}}
Most consecutive races as championship leader \| 63 \| 2022 Spanish Grand Prix – 2025 Australian Grand Prix \|{{cite web\|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/gp/championnat-consecutif.aspx \|title=Grands Prix – Leads Championship consecutively \|website=Stats F1}}
Most consecutive days as championship leader \| 1029 \| 2022 Spanish Grand Prix – 2025 Australian Grand Prix \|{{cite web\|title=FACTS AND STATS: Verstappen breaks Schumacher record for longest stint as championship leader\|first=Sean\|last=Kelly\|date=3 November 2024\|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/facts-and-stats-verstappen-breaks-schumacher-record-for-longest-stint-as.4JGyIPJdWP8RTZLVgNt3WO\|access-date=4 November 2024\|publisher=Formula One\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241105100021/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/facts-and-stats-verstappen-breaks-schumacher-record-for-longest-stint-as.4JGyIPJdWP8RTZLVgNt3WO\|archive-date=5 November 2024\|url-status=live}}{{cite web\|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/gp/championnat-consecutif.aspx \|title=Days – Leads Championship consecutively \|website=Stats F1}}

class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"

colspan="2" | Record

! Achieved

! Ref

colspan=4| Age

Youngest driver to start a race

| 17 years, 166 days

| 2015 Australian Grand Prix

|{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=3 October 2014 |title=Max Verstappen becomes youngest man to drive a Formula 1 car |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/03/max-verstappen-becomes-youngest-man-to-drive-a-formula-one-car |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316225630/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/03/max-verstappen-becomes-youngest-man-to-drive-a-formula-one-car |archive-date=16 March 2022 |access-date=15 December 2016 |work=The Guardian}}

Youngest driver to score points

| 17 years, 180 days

| 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix

|{{Cite web|title=Statistics Drivers – Points – By age|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/point/age.aspx|website=Stats F1|access-date=29 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317060536/https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/point/age.aspx|archive-date=17 March 2022|url-status=live}}

Youngest driver to score a podium finish

| 18 years, 228 days

| 2016 Spanish Grand Prix

|{{Cite web|title=Statistics Drivers – Podiums – By age|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/podium/age.aspx|website=Stats F1|access-date=29 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310074110/https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/podium/age.aspx|archive-date=10 March 2022|url-status=live}}

Youngest driver to win a race

| 18 years, 228 days

| 2016 Spanish Grand Prix

|{{cite news|last=Weaver|first=Paul|title=Max Verstappen becomes youngest F1 winner in history at Spanish Grand Prix|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/15/max-verstappen-youngest-winner-f1-history-spanish-gran-prix|work=The Guardian|access-date=2 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519111555/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/15/max-verstappen-youngest-winner-f1-history-spanish-gran-prix|archive-date=19 May 2017|url-status=live}}

Youngest driver to score a grand slam

| nowrap| 23 years, 277 days

| 2021 Austrian Grand Prix

|{{Cite web|title=2021 Austrian Grand Prix report and highlights: Verstappen waltzes to second win in a row at Red Bull Ring, as Bottas beats Norris to P2|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-waltzes-to-second-win-in-a-row-at-red-bull-ring-as-bottas-beats.31KpLIZDzipY9FhputWqf7.html|publisher=Formula One|access-date=4 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130235934/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-waltzes-to-second-win-in-a-row-at-red-bull-ring-as-bottas-beats.31KpLIZDzipY9FhputWqf7.html|archive-date=30 November 2021|url-status=live}}

colspan=4| Wins

Most wins in a season

| 19

| 2023

|{{Cite web|title=Statistics Drivers – Wins – In a year|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/victoire/annee.aspx|website=Stats F1|access-date=19 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417051716/https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/victoire/annee.aspx|archive-date=17 April 2010|url-status=live}}

Most wins in one calendar month

| 4Record shared with Lewis Hamilton.

| 2023 Austrian Grand Prix – 2023 Belgian Grand Prix

Most consecutive wins

| 10

| 2023 Miami Grand Prix – 2023 Italian Grand Prix

|{{cite web|last=Richards|first=Giles|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/sep/03/max-verstappen-wins-record-10th-straight-race-with-italian-f1-gp-victory|title=Max Verstappen wins record 10th straight race with Italian F1 GP victory|work=The Guardian|date=3 September 2023|access-date=4 September 2023|archive-date=4 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904230308/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/sep/03/max-verstappen-wins-record-10th-straight-race-with-italian-f1-gp-victory|url-status=live}}

Highest percentage of wins in a season

| 86.36%

| 2023

|{{cite web|title=The 71-year-old record Verstappen broke in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix|date=7 November 2023|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/explained-the-71-year-old-record-verstappen-broke-in-the-sao-paulo-grand.3LMx4WXMjAiWzIuhnN97Pd|access-date=7 November 2023|publisher=Formula One}}

Most wins before first pole position

| 7Record shared with Jackie Stewart.

| 2019 German Grand Prix

|{{cite web|url=https://www.wtf1.com/post/verstappen-equals-50-year-old-record/|title=Max Verstappen has equalled a 50-year-old record with his first pole position|last=Thorn|first=Dan|date=3 August 2019}}

Most wins from pole position in a season

| 12

| 2023

|{{cite web|title=F1 records broken by Max Verstappen in 2023|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-records-broken-by-max-verstappen-in-2023/10543882/|website=Autosport|date=26 November 2023 |access-date=26 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128165942/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-records-broken-by-max-verstappen-in-2023/10543882/|archive-date=28 November 2023|url-status=live}}

Most wins not starting from pole position in a season

| 9

| {{F1|2022}}

|{{cite web|title=The F1 records Verstappen and Red Bull broke in 2022|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-f1-records-verstappen-and-red-bull-broke-in-2022/10403497/|website=Motorsport.com|date=21 November 2022 |access-date=22 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313034203/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-f1-records-verstappen-and-red-bull-broke-in-2022/10403497/|archive-date=13 March 2023|url-status=live}}

Most consecutive wins from pole position

| 18

| 2022 Dutch Grand Prix – 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Wins from most different grid slots

| 10

| 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix

|{{Cite web|title=Statistics Drivers – Wins – By different grid position|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/victoire/grille-different.aspx|website=Stats F1|access-date=3 November 2024}}

Wins from most different grid slots in a season

| 7

| {{F1|2022}}

Most sprint wins

| 11

| 2024 United States Grand Prix sprint

|{{Cite web|title=Statistics Drivers – Wins – Sprint Wins|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/sprint/victoire.aspx|website=Stats F1|access-date=19 October 2024}}

Most sprint wins in a season

| 4

| {{F1|2023}}, {{F1|2024}}

|{{Cite web|title=All the records Max Verstappen broke in the 2023 F1 season|url=https://racingnews365.com/all-the-records-max-verstappen-broke-in-the-2023-f1-season|date=27 November 2023|website=Racingnews365.com|first=

Jake|last=Nichol|access-date=27 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127135005/https://racingnews365.com/all-the-records-max-verstappen-broke-in-the-2023-f1-season|archive-date=27 November 2023|url-status=live}}

colspan=4| Pole positions

Most consecutive pole positions

| 8Record shared with Ayrton Senna.

| 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

|{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/may/18/max-verstappen-battles-back-to-claim-emilia-romagna-f1-gp-pole|title=Max Verstappen battles back to claim Emilia-Romagna F1 GP pole|work=The Guardian|first=Giles|last=Richards|date=18 May 2024}}

Most consecutive pole positions from first race of season

| 7Record shared with Alain Prost ({{F1|1993}}).

| {{F1|2024}}

|{{Cite web|title=Statistics Drivers – Pole positions – Consecutively in early season|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/pole/consecutive-debut.aspx|website=Stats F1|access-date=18 May 2024}}

colspan=4| Podium finishes

Most podium finishes in a season

| 21

| {{F1|2023}}

|{{Cite web|title=Statistics Drivers – Podiums – In a year|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/podium/annee.aspx|website=Stats F1|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128171152/https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/podium/annee.aspx|archive-date=28 November 2023|url-status=live}}

Most consecutive top two finishes

| 15Record shared with Michael Schumacher.

| 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – 2023 Italian Grand Prix

colspan=4| Points

Most points in a season

| 575

| 2023

|{{Cite web|title=Statistics Drivers – Points – In a year|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/point/annee.aspx|website=Stats F1|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022232523/https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/point/annee.aspx|archive-date=22 October 2023|url-status=live}}

Highest percentage of points in a season

| 92.74%

| 2023

Most consecutive points scored

| 1055

| nowrap| 2022 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Highest average points per race started

| {{#expr:{{F1stat|VER|careerpoints}}/{{F1stat|VER|starts}} round2}}

| {{Latest F1GP}}

|{{Cite web|title=Statistics Drivers – Points Average|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/point/moyenne.aspx|website=Stats F1|access-date=4 May 2025}}

Highest average points per race started in a season

| 26.14

| 2023

Largest points deficit overturned to become World Champion

| 46

|{{F1|2022}}

|{{cite web|title=The F1 records Verstappen and Red Bull broke in 2022 |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-f1-records-verstappen-and-red-bull-broke-in-2022/10403497/|website=Motorsport.com|access-date=22 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313034203/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-f1-records-verstappen-and-red-bull-broke-in-2022/10403497/|archive-date=13 March 2023|url-status=live}}

Most points between first and second in the World Championship

| 290

| 2023

Highest percentage points difference between first and second in the World Championship

| 50.43%

| {{F1|2023}}

colspan=4| Laps led

Most laps led in a season

| 1003

| 2023

|{{Cite web|title=Statistics Drivers – Lead – Laps in a year|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/entete/tour-annee.aspx|website=Stats F1|access-date=9 October 2023}}

Highest percentage of laps led in a season

| 75.70%

| 2023

Most races led in a season

|20

|2023

|{{Cite web |title=Statistics Drivers – Lead – GP in a year|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/entete/gp-annee.aspx|website=Stats F1|access-date=6 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208081522/https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/entete/gp-annee.aspx|archive-date=8 December 2023|url-status=live}}

colspan=4| Others

Lowest average speed by a winning driver

|53.583 km/h

|2022 Japanese Grand Prix

|{{Cite web|title=Statistics Grands Prix – Average – The less|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/gp/moyenne/lemoins.aspx|access-date=27 May 2024|website=Stats F1}}

Most pit stops by a winning driver in a race

|6Record shared with Jenson Button (2011 Canadian Grand Prix).

|2023 Dutch Grand Prix

Most races left in a season when becoming World Champion

|6Record shared with Michael Schumacher (2002).

|2023

|{{cite web|title=2023 Qatar Grand Prix Facts and Stats: Rookie Piastri claims first F1 win of any kind in Qatar Sprint as Verstappen emulates Fangio|first=Sean|last=Kelly|date=7 October 2023|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.facts-and-stats-rookie-piastri-claims-first-f1-win-of-any-kind-in-qatar.1faYZYwjJHzdwVggJG212l.html|access-date=7 October 2023|publisher=Formula One|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009203117/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.facts-and-stats-rookie-piastri-claims-first-f1-win-of-any-kind-in-qatar.1faYZYwjJHzdwVggJG212l.html|archive-date=9 October 2023|url-status=live}}

Most hat-tricks in a season

| 6

| 2023

|{{cite web|title=Statistics Drivers – Hat-tricks – Verstappen Max|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/divers/detail-max-verstappen--hattrick.aspx|access-date=23 October 2023|website=Stats F1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023112604/https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/divers/detail-max-verstappen--hattrick.aspx|archive-date=23 October 2023|url-status=live}}

Most consecutive races as championship leader

| 63

| 2022 Spanish Grand Prix – 2025 Australian Grand Prix

|{{cite web|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/gp/championnat-consecutif.aspx |title=Grands Prix – Leads Championship consecutively |website=Stats F1}}

Most consecutive days as championship leader

| 1029

| 2022 Spanish Grand Prix – 2025 Australian Grand Prix

|{{cite web|title=FACTS AND STATS: Verstappen breaks Schumacher record for longest stint as championship leader|first=Sean|last=Kelly|date=3 November 2024|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/facts-and-stats-verstappen-breaks-schumacher-record-for-longest-stint-as.4JGyIPJdWP8RTZLVgNt3WO|access-date=4 November 2024|publisher=Formula One|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241105100021/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/facts-and-stats-verstappen-breaks-schumacher-record-for-longest-stint-as.4JGyIPJdWP8RTZLVgNt3WO|archive-date=5 November 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/gp/championnat-consecutif.aspx |title=Days – Leads Championship consecutively |website=Stats F1}}

;Footnotes

Notes

References

External links

{{Official website}}
{{DriverDB driver|max-verstappen}}

{{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-ach}}}}

{{succession box| before = Felix Rosenqvist | title = Zandvoort Masters
Winner | after = Antonio Giovinazzi | years = 2014}}

{{succession box| before = Lewis Hamilton | title = Formula One
World Drivers' Champion| after = Incumbent| years = 2021–2024}}

{{succession box| before = Daniil Kvyat | title = Autosport Awards
Rookie of the Year | after = Pascal Wehrlein | years = 2015}}

{{Succession box|before=Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team|title=Lorenzo Bandini Trophy|years=2016|after=Scuderia Ferrari}}

{{succession box| title = Dutch Sportsman of the Year| before = Sjinkie Knegt| after = Tom Dumoulin| years = 2016}}

{{succession box| title = Dutch Sportsman of the Year| before = Mathieu van der Poel| after = Mathieu van der Poel| years = 2021–2022}}

{{succession box| before = Lewis Hamilton | title = Autosport Awards
International Racing Driver Award | after = Incumbent | years = 2021–2023}}

{{S-ttl|title=Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year|years=2022}}

{{succession box| before = Kyle Larson | title = Best Driver ESPY Award | after = Incumbent | years = 2023–2024}}

{{succession box| title = Youngest driver to start
a Formula One race | years = 17 years, 166 days
(2015 Australian Grand Prix) | before = Jaime Alguersuari
19 years, 125 days
(2009 Hungarian Grand Prix) | after =Incumbent}}

{{Succession box| title = Youngest driver to score
points in Formula One | years = 17 years, 180 days
(2015 Malaysian Grand Prix) | before = Daniil Kvyat
19 years, 324 days
{{nowrap|(2014 Australian Grand Prix)}} | after = Incumbent}}

{{Succession box| title = Youngest race leader,
for at least one lap in Formula One | years = 18 years, 228 days
(2016 Spanish Grand Prix) | before = Sebastian Vettel
20 years, 89 days
(2007 Japanese Grand Prix) | after = Incumbent}}

{{Succession box| before = Sebastian Vettel
21 years, 73 days
(2008 Italian Grand Prix) | title = Youngest driver to score a
podium position in Formula One | after = Incumbent | years = 18 years, 228 days
(2016 Spanish Grand Prix)}}

{{Succession box| before = Sebastian Vettel
21 years, 73 days
(2008 Italian Grand Prix) | title = Youngest Grand Prix winner | after = Incumbent | years = 18 years, 228 days
(2016 Spanish Grand Prix)}}

{{succession box|title=Youngest driver to set
fastest lap in Formula One| before = Nico Rosberg
20 years, 258 days
(2006 Bahrain Grand Prix) | after = Incumbent | years = 19 years, 44 days
(2016 Brazilian Grand Prix)}}

{{succession box|title=Youngest driver to complete a
grand slam in Formula One| before = Sebastian Vettel;
24 years, 119 days
(2011 Indian Grand Prix) | after = Incumbent | years =23 years, 277 days
(2021 Austrian Grand Prix)}}

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