Max Verstappen is a four-time World Drivers’ Champion and the defining driver of his generation. The Dutchman secured his first title in 2021 in one of the most dramatic season finales in F1 history, then dominated 2022 and 2023 with record-breaking win streaks before claiming a hard-fought fourth crown in 2024.
For 2026, Verstappen stays with Red Bull Racing through a period of massive regulatory upheaval. The new power unit regulations, featuring increased electrical power and active aerodynamics, represent a genuine reset for the entire grid. Whether Red Bull’s engineering advantage carries over into this new era is the single biggest question of the season.
Verstappen’s raw speed has never been in doubt. His ability to extract performance from a difficult car, as he showed during the second half of 2024, is what separates him from his rivals. He now partners rookie Isack Hadjar, giving him undisputed team leadership.
Dutch fans planning their pilgrimage to Zandvoort for Round 12 in August should note the 14:00 CEST start time, with the sprint race kicking off at 11:00 local time on Saturday. For fans in the Netherlands, the European races offer comfortable viewing, while the flyaway rounds in Asia and the Americas require late nights or early mornings.