Max Verstappen's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Max Verstappen. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Max Verstappen is a Dutch-Belgian racing driver currently competing in Formula One for Red Bull Racing under the Dutch flag. He is a four-time Formula One World Drivers' Champion, winning the titles consecutively from 2021 to 2024. As of 2024, he has secured 64 Grand Prix victories across 11 seasons in Formula One, establishing himself as a dominant force in the sport.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: First Honda-powered race victory since 2006

In Austria in 2019, Max Verstappen controversially passed Leclerc for the lead of the race with three laps to go, marking the first Honda-powered race victory since the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix.

2015: Awards at FIA Prize Giving Ceremony

At the end of the 2015 season, Verstappen received three awards at the FIA Prize Giving Ceremony: "Rookie of the Year", "Personality of the Year", and "Action of the Year".

May 2016: Promotion to Red Bull Racing

On 5 May 2016, Red Bull Racing announced that Verstappen would be replacing Daniil Kvyat from the Spanish Grand Prix onwards. He won the Spanish Grand Prix, becoming the youngest driver ever to win a Formula One Grand Prix at the age of 18 years and 228 days.

2016: Verstappen's Podium Finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix

During the 2016 Brazilian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen, despite challenges like a near-crash and being in 16th place with 15 laps remaining, executed several overtakes to finish third, earning praise and criticism from rivals.

2016: Lauda and Horner on Verstappen's talent

Following his maiden Formula One win at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, Niki Lauda described Verstappen as the "talent of the century," and Christian Horner stated that Verstappen is the best driver Red Bull had ever seen.

2016: Promoted to Red Bull and First Grand Prix Win

In 2016, after four rounds, Verstappen was promoted to Red Bull and won the Spanish Grand Prix on his debut, becoming the youngest-ever driver to win a Formula One Grand Prix.

2017: Multiple Race Wins

In 2017, Verstappen achieved multiple race wins during his Formula One campaign.

2017: Verstappen's surge of success from the Malaysian Grand Prix onward

Starting with the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2017, Max Verstappen experienced a surge of success, securing his second Formula One victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix, finishing second in Japan, and winning his third Formula One race at the Mexican Grand Prix.

2018: Multiple Race Wins

In 2018, Verstappen achieved multiple race wins during his Formula One campaign.

2018: Strong second half of the 2018 season

Max Verstappen had a strong second half of the 2018 season, achieving multiple podium finishes, including a win in Mexico, but also faced challenges like a collision with Esteban Ocon at the Brazilian Grand Prix and a penalty for pushing Ocon after the race.

2019: Nico Rosberg praises Verstappen's speed

Following Max Verstappen's maiden pole position at the 2019 Hungarian Grand Prix, Nico Rosberg described him as the fastest driver in Formula One, emphasizing his raw speed.

2019: Jenson Button on Verstappen's speed

In 2019, Jenson Button stated that he believes Verstappen is the fastest Formula One driver ever.

2019: Verstappen's 2019 season

In 2019, Max Verstappen finished third in the championship with 278 points, claiming three race victories, nine podium finishes, two pole positions, and three fastest laps.

2019: Third in World Drivers' Championship

In 2019, Verstappen finished third in the World Drivers' Championship under Honda power.

2019: Championship Points Record

In 2022, Max Verstappen won the championship with 454 points, beating Lewis Hamilton's 2019 record of 413.

2020: Jenson Button on Verstappen's dominance over teammates

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."

2020: Verstappen's 2020 season

In 2020, Max Verstappen finished third in the championship with 214 points, claiming two race victories, eleven podium finishes, one pole position, and three fastest laps.

2020: Verstappen's recovery and victory in 2020

In 2020, Max Verstappen recovered from a crash at the Hungarian Grand Prix to finish second and won the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone.

2020: Third in World Drivers' Championship

In 2020, Verstappen finished third in the World Drivers' Championship under Honda power.

2021: Jackie Stewart on Verstappen's potential

In 2021, Jackie Stewart claimed that Verstappen is the fastest driver in Formula One but added that he is still in the "puppy stage" of his career.

2021: Verstappen ranked first in F1

In 2021, Max Verstappen was ranked first in the annual Formula One team principals' top ten drivers ranking.

2021: Verstappen's Victories in the US and Mexico

In 2021, Max Verstappen won the United States Grand Prix after taking pole position and extended his lead in the Drivers' Championship. He also won the Mexico City Grand Prix after starting third and taking the lead at the start.

2021: First Formula One World Drivers' Championship Title

In 2021, Verstappen won his first Formula One World Drivers' Championship title with Red Bull Racing.

2022: Verstappen Wins 2021 World Championship Amidst Controversy

In 2022, Max Verstappen entered the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tied in points with Hamilton, qualified on pole, and ultimately won the race and the World Drivers' Championship in a controversial final lap, leading to protests and rule changes.

2022: Appointed Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau

In 2022, Verstappen was appointed an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau.

2022: Second Championship Title

In 2022, Verstappen won his second Formula One World Championship overturning the largest points deficit in Formula One history.

2023: Third Championship Title

In 2023, Verstappen secured his third consecutive Formula One World Championship title, breaking numerous records.

2024: James Elson proclaims Max Verstappen as F1's best driver

After winning the 2024 World Drivers' Championship, James Elson of Motor Sport stated "if there was any doubt beforehand, 2024 proved that Max Verstappen is F1’s best driver".

2024: Fourth Consecutive Formula One World Drivers' Championship Title

In 2024, Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Formula One World Drivers' Championship title with Red Bull Racing.

2024: Listed as Influential Person

In the 2024 issue, Verstappen was listed in Time as one of the 100 most influential people globally.

2025: Praise for Verstappen's pole lap

In 2025, Verstappen received widespread acclaim for his surprise pole lap at the Japanese Grand Prix, with Andrew Benson of BBC Sport commenting that it was one of the greatest of all time.