The first is something you never forget. When compiling his top 10 Formula 1 triumphs, Max Verstappen stuck very closely to that philosophy. The three-time World Champion and current leader of the F1 2024 Championship, Max Verstappen, has 61 victories to his name. However, as part of The Red Bulletin, he was tasked with not only reducing that total to his top 10, but also ranking them to determine which is his all-time favorite.
Max Verstappen says his best Red Bull win was the first one. But Verstappen succeeded, selecting the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, his maiden race with Red Bull, as his best Formula One triumph. Verstappen recalls, “Kimi [Raikkonen] was putting the pressure on, and my tyres were completely exhausted.” “I was aware that in turn one, I needed to catch the final chicane flawlessly to prevent him from slowing down. I drove quite defensively and with extreme concentration. “I only considered that in the last corner, that it would work out with the victory. I had my head down, working hard. Nothing beats the first Formula One triumph.
The fact that it arrived so suddenly made it unbelievable. Previously, the crew had advised to “sit down, get comfortable in the car, and see what comes out of it.” Yes, we were fortunate that both of the Mercedes were gone, but you have to seize the opportunity when it comes.
Although that was the highest win back then, what other Verstappen triumphs cracked the top 10? The second-place finish from P2 on the grid in the 2018 Mexican Grand Prix was attributed to his frustration and determination to win despite a complicated power unit problem from qualifying that could not be resolved for race day. Verstappen said afterward, “I was really angry.” “When everything was on the line, I had no control.”
“I’m going to win tomorrow!” I told myself the night before the race. It was an unwavering will to win in spite of the technical difficulties rather than a sense of retaliation. The fact that the issues mostly arose at the maximum grasp, or the absolute limit, was helpful to me. I had my chance to win the race then. With extra rage in my belly, I lined up on Sunday and won thanks to this understanding. Verstappen’s top five also included Austria 2019, Germany 2019, and Silverstone 2020, but it contained absolutely no room for the race victory in Abu Dhabi in 2021 that sealed the championship.
Top 10 Formula 1 triumphs for Max Verstappen…thus far 1. Spanish Grand Prix of 2016 2. Mexico Grand Prix of 2018 3. Austrian Grand Prix 2019 4. German Grand Prix 2019 5. 2020 Grand Prix celebrating its 70th year 6. The 2021 French Grand Prix 7. The 2021 US Grand Prix 8. Brussels Grand Prix in 2022 9. Miami Grand Prix 2023 10. Japan Grand Prix in 2023