Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen drives car #1 for Red Bull Racing in 2026, with 71 Grand Prix victories, 48 pole positions, and 127 podiums from 236 race starts through the end of 2025. Born in Hasselt, Belgium on September 30, 1997, the Dutch four-time World Drivers' Champion became the youngest race winner in F1 history at 18 years and 228 days at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.

Verstappen's first title came in 2021 in one of the most dramatic deciders in F1 history, edging Lewis Hamilton on the final lap in Abu Dhabi. He followed with record-breaking seasons in 2022 (15 wins) and 2023 (19 wins from 22 races, including a record 10 consecutive victories), then claimed a fourth consecutive title in 2024 against stronger competition from McLaren and Ferrari.

For 2026, Verstappen stays with Red Bull Racing through a period of massive regulatory change. The new power unit regulations, featuring increased electrical power and active aerodynamics, represent a genuine reset for the grid. He partners rookie Isack Hadjar, giving him undisputed team leadership as Red Bull adapts to the new era.

Verstappen's raw speed is widely regarded as the benchmark on the current grid. His ability to extract performance from a difficult car, as demonstrated during the second half of 2024 when Red Bull's development stalled, separates him from his rivals. His wet-weather performances and late-braking aggression remain signature strengths that produce highlight-reel moments every season.

Dutch fans planning their pilgrimage to Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix at Round 12 in August should note the 14:00 CEST start time, with the sprint race at 11:00 on Saturday. For fans in the Netherlands, the European races offer comfortable afternoon viewing. Check Netherlands time for timezone conversions to your location.

Verstappen's career statistics place him fourth on the all-time wins list and he shows no signs of slowing down at 28 years old. With 48 pole positions and a qualifying record that few can match, the 2026 regulation change is the biggest test of whether his dominance can continue into F1's new technical era.