Max Verstappen: 10 Years Since First Win

A Decade of Dominance: Max Verstappen’s 10-Year Milestone

The world of Formula 1 is pausing to reflect on a transformative decade as Max Verstappen prepares for the 2026 season. This year marks exactly ten years since the “Dutch Prodigy” stunned the globe by winning the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix on his debut for Red Bull Racing.

The Day F1 History Was Rewritten

On May 15, 2016, at just 18 years and 227 days old, Verstappen became the youngest race winner in the history of the sport. Promoted from Toro Rosso only days before the race, he capitalized on a first-lap collision between Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. Verstappen then held off intense pressure from Kimi Räikkönen to claim a victory that shattered Sebastian Vettel’s previous record by more than two years.

Statistically Peerless: Ten Years of Records

Since that afternoon in Barcelona, Verstappen has evolved from a daring “wildcard” into a four-time World Champion. As he enters 2026, his resume is staggering:

• 71 Career Wins: Placing him firmly among the all-time greats.

• 86.3% Win Rate: His 2023 season remains the most efficient in history, with 19 wins from 22 races.

• 10 Consecutive Wins: A record-breaking streak that redefined the meaning of consistency.

• 48 Pole Positions: Proving his raw speed is just as potent as his race craft.

   

The 2026 “New Era” and Fan Sentiments

As the milestone approaches, social media is flooded with “Throwback Thursday” clips of a teenage, “baby-faced” Max. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) have been marveling at how different the sport looked a decade ago—notably pointing out the absence of the Halo safety device in 2016.

However, the celebration is mixed with anticipation. For the 2026 season, Verstappen is:

1. Changing his number: He will race with the number 3 on his car, a nod to his origins and a reset after narrowly losing the 2025 title.

2. Adapting to new Tech: Red Bull is debuting its first in-house power unit in partnership with Ford. Verstappen has admitted to the press that the early months may involve “struggles” as they adapt to the massive 2026 regulation reset.

3. Mentoring new talent: He will be joined by 21-year-old Isack Hadjar, who replaces Yuki Tsunoda, marking a full-circle moment where Max is now the veteran leader.

Career Snapshot (2016 vs. 2026)