27-Year-Old Driver Breaks All-Time Formula One Speed Record
The four-time world champion adds another record to his name at the Italian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen set the all-time fastest Formula One race time at Monza at 1:13:24.325. Verstappen holds numerous other records, including: youngest driver to compete, youngest podium finisher, youngest race winner, most overtakes in a season, most wins in a season, most consecutive wins, and many others. In Monza’s competitive race, Verstappen fought to maintain the pole position he earned at qualifying. After 53 laps, Verstappen earned his third win of the 2025 season in record-breaking time. This record-breaking run shows Verstappen's consistency. Monza is known as the “Temple of Speed” because of the long straights and high-speed corners that make the circuit unforgiving to mistakes.
In the opening lap, Verstappen and Lando Norris fought for the race lead. Norris drove onto the grass, and Verstappen went off the road during their battle for P1. Verstappen was then told to give Norris the lead on the second lap after the cut corner on the lap prior. McLaren has dominated the 2025 season with 617 constructors’ championship points and both their drivers at the top of the drivers' standings. However, nothing is impossible for Verstappen, and he quickly took the lead back from Norris two laps later. The Red Bull driver has won races from as far back as P17 because he knows how to find opportunities to gain positions. Sitting in third in the driver's championship, Verstappen’s chances of a fifth consecutive championship are slipping away. This win, however, helped Red Bull in the constructors' championship rankings, now only 21 points behind Mercedes at third.
Verstappen continued to do everything right this race, including making a quick pit stop at the right time. After McLaren had a pit error with Norris, the time gap between him and Verstappen grew significantly. At the checkered flag, Verstappen was at the top of the podium with his third race win of the year. Reminding the grid what he is capable of doing, Verstappen proved why he is considered one of the greats. The victory won’t drastically change the championship standing, but it still serves as a powerful statement to Verstappen’s and Red Bull’s power and how they are still dangerous contenders at every race.
