Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen, born on September 30, 1997, in Hasselt, Belgium, is a remarkable racing driver who has made a significant impact in the world of Formula One. Competing under the Dutch flag for Red Bull Racing, Verstappen has achieved extraordinary success, winning four consecutive World Drivers' Championships from 2021 to 2024 and securing an impressive 71 Grand Prix victories over his 12-season career.

Raised in Maaseik, Verstappen comes from a racing family; his father, Jos Verstappen, was a former Formula One driver, and his mother, Sophie Kumpen, was a kart racer. His journey began in karting, where he set records during his 2013 season, leading him to graduate to junior formulae. He made a notable entry into FIA European Formula 3, finishing third in his rookie season with Van Amersfoort, breaking several records along the way.

At just 17 years old, Verstappen joined Toro Rosso in 2015, becoming the youngest driver in Formula One history. His debut season was marked by several points finishes, and he quickly moved up to Red Bull Racing, where he made headlines by winning the Spanish Grand Prix at 18, becoming the youngest driver to win a Formula One race.

Verstappen's career continued to flourish as he achieved multiple race wins in 2017 and 2018, and he finished third in the World Drivers' Championships in both 2019 and 2020. His first championship title came in 2021, where a dramatic final lap overtaking maneuver against Lewis Hamilton secured his place in history as the first Dutch World Champion. He followed this with two more titles in 2022 and 2023, and in 2024, he made history again by winning his fourth consecutive title while driving for a third-placed constructor.

As of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, Verstappen has amassed 71 race wins, 48 pole positions, and 127 podiums, holding numerous records in the sport. He is also recognized for his contributions beyond racing, being named one of Time's 100 most influential people in 2024 and receiving the title of Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2022. With a contract at Red Bull until at least 2028, Verstappen's legacy in Formula One continues to grow.