Max Verstappen: Racing into the league of F1 greats, one record at a time

Imagine a player in his twenties already being named among the greats of the sport. That’s what being Max Verstappen feels like. Born with racing in his blood, Verstappen took Formula 1 by storm as soon as he graduated from karting and junior-level racing. Max Verstappen has not only rewritten the F1 record books, he has also redefined what it means to be a modern racing driver. Born on September 30, 1997, in Hasselt, Belgium, but racing under the Dutch flag, Verstappen was always destined for motorsport greatness. With a father, Jos Verstappen, who raced in F1 during the 1990s, and a mother, Sophie Kumpen, a successful karting driver herself, it seemed inevitable that racing would bear witness to Max’s talent.

The youngest to shatter elite records: The rise of Max Verstappen in F1

From his early karting days, Max Verstappen showed flashes of brilliance, often racing against older competition and winning. It came as no surprise when he was fast-tracked into Formula 1 at just 17 years old, debuting with Toro Rosso at the 2015 Australian Grand Prix. That bold entry made him the youngest driver to ever start a Grand Prix, first of the several records that Verstappen has shattered so far in his F1 career. A year later, he made a switch to Red Bull Racing and stunned the world by winning the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix on his team debut. At 18 years and 228 days, he became the youngest Grand Prix winner in history.

Since then, Verstappen has built a reputation as one of the fiercest competitors on the grid. His driving style, fearless, precise, and often uncompromising, has earned both admiration and criticism. Often perceived as a shy presence outside of the racing track, Verstappen has rarely shied away from making bold moves and criticising some prospects and decisions in the sport. Good thing, Verstappen has the credentials to back his bold demeanor. Between 2021 and 2024, Verstappen clinched four consecutive World Championships. He holds several records, including the most wins and podiums in a single season, and a historic run of 10 straight victories.

How is the 2025 Formula 1 season faring for Max Verstappen?

As for the ongoing 2025 season, Verstappen remains a central figure. The Red Bull pick recently bagged another win at the Japanese Grand Prix. However, a time penalty saw Verstappen losing the first spot to Oscar Piastri at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. With his contract at Red Bull running through 2028, Verstappen isn’t going anywhere. Whether chasing records or responding to pressure, he continues to be the heartbeat of F1.