Max Verstappen is undoubtedly a superb racing talent. But it’s more than just raw talent that makes him such a breath of fresh air in Formula 1. His driving style is bold and brave. It’s his exciting performances on track that have catapulted him into the spotlight at an age where many drivers are still figuring out the sport.
He made his debut as a 17-year-old for Toro Rosso and impressed the Red Bull camp. On his way, he became the youngest driver ever to race in Formula 1. The Dutchman moved to Red Bull when he was just 18 and immediately proved why he was considered a huge potential. He won his first race with the Milton-Keynes-based outfit and became the youngest driver to win an F1 race.
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At the age of 24, he is a world champion and is one of the best on the grid. With his victory in the Miami GP, he has matched Nelson Piquet’s record of 23 race wins in his career. The scary thing? He is only getting started.
Max Verstappen matches Nelson Piquet’s record
Nelson Piquet is a three-time world champion. The former Williams driver was known for his consistency and is one of the greatest drivers to grace the sport. Kelly Piquet, the daughter of Nelson, is currently in a relationship with Max. After his win in Miami, the Red Bull driver matched Nelson’s record of 23 wins in F1.
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The Dutchman’s journey started with Toro Rosso and it has been on the rise with the years passing by. He is currently 12th on the list of most race wins and shares the record with Piquet and Nico Rosberg. And he is certainly in an esteemed company.
On the top of the list is, of course, Lewis Hamilton, followed by Michael Schumacher. The next on the list for Verstappen to hunt is Juan Manuel Fangio who has 24 wins, followed by legendary Niki Lauda and Jim Clark with 25 race wins.
With his prime years in F1 yet to come, it will not surprise us if Verstappen ends up alongside Hamilton or Schumacher. Red Bull certainly will look to provide the car for the Dutch driver to produce the results.
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Verstappen, however, has only one world championship to his name. As the years go by, he will look to add to his tally and establish himself as one of the best drivers in the sport.