Max Verstappen: The Record-Breaker of Formula 1 2023

Max Verstappen is a Dutch racing driver who competes in Formula One for Red Bull Racing. He is the son of former Formula One driver Jos Verstappen and the youngest driver to compete in Formula One, making his debut at the age of 17 in 2015. He is also the youngest driver to win a race, score a pole position, and lead a lap in Formula One history.

But Verstappen is not just a prodigy, he is also a record-breaker. In the 2023 Formula One season, he has achieved some remarkable feats that have cemented his status as one of the greatest drivers of his generation. Here are some of the records that he has broken or set in the 2023 season:

· Three-time World Champion: Verstappen clinched his third consecutive Drivers’ Championship title at the Qatar Grand Prix, becoming the youngest driver to win three titles at the age of 25. He also equalled Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine wins in a season, with two races to go. Verstappen has been the most consistent and dominant driver of the season, winning from pole position eight times and finishing on the podium in every race except one (the Belgian Grand Prix, which was cancelled due to heavy rain). He has also set six fastest laps and led the most laps (589 out of 1018).

· Most consecutive podium finishes: Verstappen has finished on the podium in every race he has completed this season, except for the Belgian Grand Prix, which was cancelled due to heavy rain. He has achieved 19 podium finishes in a row, breaking the record of 18 consecutive podiums held by Hamilton (2014-2015) and Schumacher (2001-2002).

· 100th Grand Prix Start: Verstappen celebrated his 100th Grand Prix start at the Monaco Grand Prix, where he took his first victory at the iconic street circuit. He became the second youngest driver to reach 100 starts, after Vettel. He also became the first driver to win from pole position in Monaco since Nico Rosberg in 2014.

· First Driver to Win Six Races on Six Different Continents: Verstappen also became the first driver to win six races on six different continents in a single season. He won in Europe (Monaco, France, Austria, Netherlands), Asia (Turkey), North America (United States, Mexico), South America (Brazil), Africa (Morocco), and Oceania (Australia). He surpassed Hamilton’s record of five wins on five continents in 2014 and 2018.

· Most pole positions in a season: Verstappen has also been the king of qualifying, taking 15 pole positions out of 20 races so far. He has surpassed the previous record of 14 poles in a season, held by Hamilton (2016 and 2018) and Vettel (2011).

· Youngest driver to score 50 wins: Verstappen reached another milestone at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he claimed his 50th career victory. He became the youngest driver to do so, at the age of 25.

These are just some of the records that Verstappen has broken or set in the 2023 season, which is not over yet. He still has three more races to go: Brazil, Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi. The world watches with bated breath, but one thing is undeniable: Verstappen is a force to be reckoned with in Formula One, and his journey is far from over. Will he continue to add more impressive records to his remarkable journey? We have to wait and see...

- Kaushik C