The Rise of Max Verstappen in 15 Defining Photos

Max Verstappen rose quickly in the world of motorsport, breaking records and making history in Formula 1. His career began with karting, moved through junior racing, and reached the highest level with Red Bull Racing. These 15 real and defining moments show how he became one of the sport’s most dominant drivers.

1. Karting Champion at Age 7 (2005)

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In 2005, Max Verstappen won his first karting championship in Belgium. He was only seven years old and already competing against older kids. His father, Jos Verstappen, a former F1 driver, guided his early training. These early wins showed his natural speed and focus.

2. European Karting Success (2013)

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By 2013, Max had become one of the top kart racers in Europe. He won the CIK-FIA European KF and KZ Championships. His technical skill and aggression were already being compared to professional drivers. This year marked the end of his karting career and his move to car racing.

3. Formula 3 Breakthrough (2014)

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In 2014, Verstappen competed in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship with Van Amersfoort Racing. He won 10 races and finished third overall in the standings. His strong rookie performance caught the attention of Formula 1 teams. At just 16, he was already making headlines.

4. F1 Contract with Toro Rosso (August 2014)

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In August 2014, Red Bull announced Verstappen would race for Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2015. He became the youngest driver ever to sign an F1 contract. Some questioned the move, but Red Bull believed in his talent. This decision changed his life and career path.  

5. Youngest F1 Debut (March 2015)

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Max made his Formula 1 debut on March 15, 2015, at the Australian Grand Prix. He was just 17 years and 166 days old, making him the youngest F1 driver in history. He showed good pace and maturity despite not finishing due to engine failure. The debut marked the start of his professional F1 career.

6. First F1 Points (May 2015)

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On May 24, 2015, Verstappen finished 8th at the Monaco Grand Prix. This earned him his first Formula 1 points. He became the youngest driver to score points in F1 at the time. His confidence behind the wheel continued to grow.

7. Promotion to Red Bull Racing (May 2016)

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In May 2016, Red Bull promoted Verstappen to the main team, replacing Daniil Kvyat. It was a bold decision by the team. They saw that Max had the pace to compete at the top level. His first race for Red Bull became historic.

8. First F1 Win in Spain (May 2016)

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On May 15, 2016, Verstappen won the Spanish Grand Prix in his first race for Red Bull Racing. He became the youngest driver to win an F1 race at 18 years and 228 days. He held off Kimi Räikkönen under pressure for over 20 laps. This win proved he was ready for the big stage.

9. Rivalry with Hamilton Begins (2018)

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In the 2018 season, Verstappen began regularly competing with Lewis Hamilton for podiums and wins. Their close battles on track were intense and often controversial. Max showed he was not afraid to race hard against the sport’s top names. This was the beginning of a growing rivalry.

10. Winning Season in 2020

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Despite Mercedes’ dominance, Verstappen won two races in 2020 and showed strong consistency. He finished third in the championship behind the two Mercedes drivers. His control, strategy, and maturity improved. Red Bull began closing the gap on Mercedes.

11. World Champion After Intense Finale (December 2021)

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On December 12, 2021, Verstappen won his first F1 world title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The race ended in controversy after a late safety car decision. Max passed Lewis Hamilton on the final lap. It was one of the most dramatic finishes in Formula 1 history.

12. Dominant Second Title (2022)

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In 2022, Verstappen dominated the season with 15 race wins, the most ever in a single F1 year at the time. He secured the championship with four races to go. Red Bull’s new car and Max’s confidence created a nearly unbeatable combination. His title defense was clear and decisive.

13. Record-Breaking Third Title (2023)

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In 2023, Verstappen won his third world championship. He secured the title during the Qatar Grand Prix weekend. He won 19 of 22 races and broke multiple records, including most points in a season. His performance placed him among the sport’s all-time greats.

14. Continued Success with Red Bull (2024)

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By mid-2024, Verstappen continued to lead the championship standings. He added more wins and pole positions to his record. Red Bull’s strong car and Verstappen’s experience kept them at the top. He remained the central figure in the sport.

15. Legacy and Focus on the Future (2024)

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Verstappen has already built a legacy as one of the most successful drivers in F1 history. Despite his young age, he has over 60 career wins and multiple records. He remains focused on performance and often avoids distractions that are off-track. His goal is to keep winning and possibly retire early with a lasting legacy.

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