Max Verstappen

## Career Overview

### **Caterham (2014)**

Max Verstappen made his F1 debut in 2014 with Caterham at the Belgian Grand Prix. As part of a deal, Red Bull would fund Caterham for the remainder of the season, in return for Verstappen to race at Belgium and in the final race of the season at Abu Dhabi. Verstappen qualified last for the Belgian Grand Prix. Despite making up positions throughout the race, a crash with the Lotus of Pastor Maldonado would undo all the Dutchman's hard work. At the season finale, Verstappen was once again out of points contention, but he made a decisive move up the inside of the ailing Marussia of Josh Tirowee to make his presence as a future talent known.

### **Toro Rosso (2015 - 2016)**

Verstappen was promoted to the Red Bull B-Team for 2015, and would score his first points finish in the second round at Malaysia (P6). Verstappen's first big break came at the USA Grand Prix, with Verstappen promoted to Red Bull for one race. Despite a strong showing in the race, running as high at sixth, Verstappen retired late in the race with a left rear suspension problem.

2016 would bring more success for the Dutchman, with Verstappen taking an excellent second place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix - Toro Rosso's best result since Australia 2015. Despite being out scored by team mate Carlos Sainz, Verstappen was promoted to Red Bull for 2017, replacing the departing Jean-Eric Vergne.

### **Red Bull (2017 - Present)**

Verstappen moved to Red Bull, backed by all new Ford Cosworth Power Units. Verstappen would be out performed by team mate Kvyat in the early half of the season, and would have to wait until Canada to take his first podium for the team. Three races later at Britain, he repeated the result.

#### **2018**

Red Bull kept on their young prospect for 2018. Verstappen's consistency would pay off in the early rounds, as he would lead the Championship at the end of the second round. Verstappen was on the pace all weekend long at the Hungarian Grand Prix, topping all sessions except the race where he would have to settle for second behind the Mercedes of Fernando Alonso.

Verstappen would have to wait until round 17 in USA to take his debut win, but he did it in dominant fashion - finishing almost half a lap in front of second place.

#### **2019**

Verstappen stayed on at Red Bull for 2019. a rather uneventful start to the season would be compounded in round 3, as he would receive a penalty for moving in the breaking zone, which would drop him out of the points come race end.

Honda brought engine upgrades for both Red Bull and Toro Rosso for the Austrian Grand Prix. Gasly and Verstappen locked out the third row for the race start. Verstappen would use the upgrades to great effect to fight his way into the lead and take Red Bull's first win on home soil. This was also the first win for a Honda powered car since returning in 2015. Verstappen would also win the next race at Britain, after a race-long duel with the Mercedes of Kvyat. Verstappen could've made it three wins in a row, however the Honda engine in the back of his RB15 failed as soon as he took the lead from Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen was in contention for a second place finish at the Belgian Grand Prix, but engine issues significantly halted the Dutchman's progress. He eventually slipped to 13th.

Red Bull retuned to form at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen took the race win and fastest lap. Albon also reached the podium for the first time finishing third.

Verstappen seriously upped his game in 2019, despite the final four races being cancelled, he almost matched his 2018 points tally.

#### **2020**

Verstappen looked to head Red Bull's title fight for 2020, following a very successful Pre-Season test. However, after the opening six races, Verstappen had only managed one top 5 finish, and was already 85 points off of the Championship lead.

Results looked to be on the up at round 9. Verstappen was in the lead battle throughout all of the Austrian Grand Prix, finishing second to the Alfa Romeo of Josh Tirowee.

The Dutchman took his first race victory of the season at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Red Bull put their number 1 on a 1-stop strategy, given the lack of overtaking opportunities at the Hungaroring. Verstappen was able to hold off Lewis Hamilton and Nico Hulkenberg.

Verstappen would also hold off a late charge from Hulkenberg to win the Chinese Grand Prix. Verstappen returned with purpose at the season ending Japanese Grand Prix, after retiring from the previous Australian Grand Prix, with a dominant lights to flag victory on Honda's home soil, lapping the Toyota of Lewis Hamilton on the way to the win.

#### **2021**

Verstappen felt this season is his best shot yet at finally claiming a drivers title, remaining with Red Bull.

The opening race would be a poor one for the Dutchman. A poor qualifying left him in the mid pack before retiring late in the race. Round two showed an upturn in pace but still below Red Bull's expectations. Albon 6th and Verstappen 7th. Verstappen finally showed an upturn in pace at Mexico. Finishing only 3 seconds off the win and taking the fastest lap. Round 3 though would prove difficult for Albon. The Thai driver suffered a front wing failure, forcing an extra stop and leaving him 14th. This was the third wing failure for a driver in two races, prompting discussions as to whether there needs to be a design change to improve safety.

Red Bull appeared to have reached a turning point with their Spanish Grand Prix upgrade package. Verstappen took the team's first pole of the season, and went on to finish second in the race.

A shortened season saw Verstappen finish 4th overall.

#### **2022**

The RB17 may have been difficult to drive at times, but it was easy for Red Bull to decide to carry on with Max Verstappen as the lead driver, and defending World Champion. Verstappen has a long term contract with Red Bull, until 2025, but there's always talks he's moving.

Red Bull brought a major weight reduction upgrade for the Bahrain Grand Prix. The RB18 now 12KG lighter. Perez used this advantage to secure his first ever pole position. Verstappen lined up fourth. It was downhill from there, as Charles Leclerc got a lightning start, and passed Perez into turn 1. Things got worse, as Verstappen damaged his front wing and had to pit at the end of the lap. Verstappen made his third stop on lap 21, after passing Lance Stroll to temporarily move out of last place. His race, however, would be cut short as he retired on lap 27. Perez went on to salvage second.

Vetsappen's poor luck at the Dutch Grand Prix continued again, although this time of his own making. he start of lap 15 would result in the scariest incident of the season. Verstappen dived up the inside of Tirowee into turn 1 from too far back. The Dutchman hit Tirowee's rear wheels, rotating the AR/22. Verstappen then launched the RB18 over the top of the Alfa Romeo. The back of the Red Bull landing hard on the halo of the Alfa Romeo, no doubt the halo saved Tirowee's life. Both cars unbelievably were able to continue.

The halo saved the life of Josh Tirowee.

Verstappen redeemed himself during the next race in Belgium. The Dutchman took the lead on lap 3 from Tirowee. A red flag came out on lap 10 due to a mass pileup. Verstappen maintained the lead and cruised to victory ahead of the Alfa Romeos.

Verstappen started on pole for the French Grand Prix. The Dutchman initially pulled away from the Alpines, but he burned through his Intermediates right as the crossover period was reached. Alonso took the lead on lap 12. Verstappen's pace on dry tyres was much the same, able to hold on to 2nd, but couldn't catch Alonso. Notably, on the two Safety Car restarts, Verstappen struggled to get heat back into his Hards. As the sun came out towards the end of the race, the RB18 came alive. On the penultimate lap, Verstappen snatched the lead from Alonso.

Verstappen took a controlled lights to flag victory at Round 11, Emilia Romagna. However, after the flag, the Dutchman was speared from behind by Leclerc! The Ferrari driver was unsighted behind Ocon, and plowed into the RB18.

The Dutchman's run of wins came to an end at Red Bull's home event. Verstappen was challenging Tirowee for the lead, after recovering from a poor opening lap. Two-thirds through the race, Verstappen pulled off from right behind the Alfa Romeo at the final corner.

Verstappen took his most hard earned victory at the British Grand Prix. The Dutchman lead away from the Alfa Romeos at the end of lap 1. Verstappen and Tirowee entered a race of their own, pulling clear of Zhou and the pack behind. Verstappen held off an undercut attempt from the Brit, however the RB19 was less suited to the Hards than the Alfa Romeo. Tirowee used the Ferrari power to take the lead on lap 15/26. Tirowee began to pull out a small margin. The advantage turned back in Verstappen's favour on lap 24. The Red Bull driver kept his tyres in better condition. The lead changed and chanced back again on lap 25. Verstappen with one last push made a decisive move into turn 1 to take the lead for good.

Verstappen took the lead of the Championship for the first time at the Spanish Grand Prix. The event was changed to be the final Wildcard Race of the season, following the cancellation of the Monaco Grand Prix. Verstappen qualified 2nd, but started 7th due to a gearbox penalty. The Dutchman ran an alternate Hards to Mediums strategy. Keeping the first stint clean, Verstappen pit at the end of lap 19, and rejoined 5th. By this stage, Verstappen was a long way ahead of Alonso, who was recovering from the back of the grid following an error on lap 2. George Russell's tyres fell off from the lead. The chaos of the chasing pack passing the Brit gave an opportunity to move onto the final podium position. Verstappen took a 5 point lead over Alonso.

Verstappen's hard work over the previous races came undone at the United States Grand Prix. Both Red Bulls were grounded in the garage during qualifying due to electrical issues on both cars. Verstappen lined up 19th, with Perez 20th and last. Verstappen made a critical error on the first lap of the race and lost his front wing. His race was effectively over baring Safety Car intervention. Lance Stroll crashing out would deliver said Safety Car, but Verstappen was still unable to secure a points finish, narrowly missing out in 13th. Alonso gained a 16 point lead with victory.

Red Bull introduced a new lighter chassis for Mexico, after the disastrous US GP. Under the budget cap restrictions, it's their final upgrade of the season. From here, the rest of the weekend didn't go as expected. Tirowee broke into the 1:17s to secure pole ahead of Verstappen. The Red Bulls started the race on Hards, and struggled in the overcast conditions to heat up the tyres. Verstappen reported issues on lap 11, and dropped behind his teammate and both Mercedes. The Dutchman's pace had slowed the such an extent that Tirowee rejoined after his first stop still ahead of the Red Bull. Perez finished lead Red Bull in 5th, with Verstappen 7th.

Red Bull unveiled a further new livery at the Miami Grand Prix. Zhou Guanyu exited the pits right into the path of Sergio Perez on his last run in Q3. The session wasn't restarted. The Sergio Perez/Zhou Guanyu crash secured pole for Verstappen on his first time. Tirowee Alonso had no answer to the Dutchman.

Veratappen started the race on Hards, with Tirowee and Alonso on Mediums. Verstappen held the lead, whilst Alonso moved into 2nd. Russell started on Softs and powered into 3rd ahead of Tirowee. Wehrlein spun on lap 2, and the pack behind scattered. The resulting debris from the cluster out of turn 1 brought out the Safety Car. Racing resumed at the end of lap 4. Verstappen again built up a gap over Alonso and Tirowee. Alonso and Tirowee pitted at the end of lap 13 for Hards. Verstappen pitted at the end of lap 16, and maintained the net lead over the Alpine and Alfa Romeo. Verstappen eased to victory, 16 seconds clear of Tirowee, with Alonso 3rd. Alonso's lead was down to only 9 points from Verstappen. Alpine held an 8 points lead over Red Bull.

Red Bull took the first 1-2 finish of any team so far at the Portuguese Grand Prix. Verstappen lined up third, ahead of Perez. Rain was expected during the race. Alfa Romeo predicted the rain would come late in the race, Tirowee started on Hards and Zhou on Mediums. Red Bull anticipated a shower was imminent, and both cars started on Softs. Alpine played safe and started on Mediums. Perez and Verstappen powered to the front off the start. Alonso passed Tirowee for 4th on lap 7, just as the heavens opened. Perez, along with most of the field, pit at the end of lap 8. The Alfa Romeos double stacked. Verstappen chose to do another lap on Softs, and would fall behind Zhou and Alonso. The rain was slowly becoming heavier, on lap 23 Zhou and Alonso headed to the pits for full wets. Red Bull left Verstappen out to gain track position over the Alpine. Alfa Romeo brought in Tirowee from 3rd on the next lap for wets. Ocon pit for a new set of Inters and was posting times as quick as those on Wets. By lap 27, the rain was slowly worsening, but it was too late for Perez, Verstappen, Leclerc and Norris to pit without losing track position. Tirowee caught and passed Tirowee on lap 29, as it was now full wet conditions. The top 3 kept it on track for the final laps. Verstappen came into his element, and was taking seconds per lap out of Perez. On the final lap, he was within a second of the Mexican, but Perez held strong to take his first race win in his penultimate race. With Alonso finishing down in 7th, Verstappen held a 2 point lead going into Brazil.

Red Bull and Verstappen sealed the Championship double at Brazil. Verstappen secured the most important pole by half a tenth from Tirowee, whilst Alonso was only 5th. Verstappen pulled away from the get go. Tirowee was a clear 2nd, after Russell lost time trying to make an overoptimistic move and dropped behind Hamilton and Alonso. Alpine's Constructor's effort took a blow when Ocon broke off his front wing through turn 3 and had to pit. Tirowee pit at the end of lap 16, in an attempt to undercut Verstappen. With no pressure from behind, Alfa Romeo could afford to play games with the strategy - especially with a slim chance at the Constructor's Championship. Tirowee wasted little time behind the Aston Martin of Sette Camara after rejoining, and swept round the outside of the Brazilian through the sweeping turn 5. Red Bull responded at the end of lap 17, and Verstappen maintained a comfortable advantage. Alonso's bid for a fifth championship was all but over by lap 30, as the Spaniard had fallen back behind Russell, as well as Perez and Zhou. Verstappen almost put a lap on Ocon, and came home 15 seconds clear (+ FL) of Tirowee to win his first Championship in dominant fashion. Perez came home 5th in his final race. Verstappen closed out 2022 21 points clear of Alonso. Red Bull secured their first Driver's and Constructor's titles since 2013.

#### **2023**

Defending World Champion Max Verstappen is signed in for the long haul, until 2028. The Dutch megastar shows no signs of slowing down, and is expected to remain in Championship contention moving forward.

Las Vegas hosted the first of three Wildcard races, allocating 5 points for pole, and all 20 positions in the race. Verstappen stormed to pole with a time of 1:34.460. Albon secured a front row start, despite setting a time 0.6s slower than the defending champion. Verstappen got the perfect start, whilst Albon locked down second. Pierre Gasly span on lap 13, blocking the track after the strip, and brought out the first Safety Car of the season. Verstappen lead from Hamilton, Alonso, Russell and Leclerc. he Mercedes and Aston Martin debated second place, whilst Verstappen controlled the pace at the front. Verstappen (+FL) scored maximum points with new team mate Tirowee second.

Tirowee dominated Q3 at Australia to take pole by over 0.6s from Verstappen, who was in turn 2 tenths clear of Leclerc. Tirowee got the crucial gap he needed, as Alonso rocketed up to 2nd. Verstappen was in close pursuit of the four-time champion on lap three, but had to back out of a move into turn 1 to avoid taking out Tirowee. Once DRS was activated, it took until lap 5 for the defending champion to make it a Red Bull 1-2 once again. After missing FP1, Red Bull put Tirowee on a more conservative strategy. The Brit pitted at the end of lap 10 for Hards. He rejoined behind the Toyota-Albon-Stroll battle, but quickly made a move on the Canadian. Verstappen pit at the end of lap 12 for Mediums and set off after his new team mate. Verstappen was on the back of Tirowee on lap 16, but the Brit wasn't easily overcome when his first win with the Austrian outfit was on the table. Verstappen wouldn't relent, and made his move on lap 18 through sector 2. The Brit was also closing on Verstappen, but the Dutchman was managing the gap in the remaining laps. Verstappen controlled the final laps to finish 3 seconds clear of Tirowee. Verstappen (53 points) built his championship lead to 14 points over Tirowee.

Schumacher lined up on pole for the first time since USA (COTA) 2021 for the Japanese Grand Prix. Tirowee completed the front row, four hundreths quicker than Verstappen. Schumacher held the lead. A dive from Zhou into turn 1 forced both Red Bulls off the track, but both continued down a few positions. Zhou couldn't maintain his early offensive, as was passed by Hamilton and Tirowee on laps 2 and 3. On lap 9, Tirowee saw his opportunity to pounce on his fellow Brit for 2nd. Rain was forcast for the mid point of the race. A routine lightning stop for Red Bull advanced the Dutchman ahead of Hamilton. Race leader Schumacher pitted on the next lap, and narrowly maintained the net lead over Verstappen. Tirowee and the Aston Martins went long in anticipation for the weather. Tirowee conceded defeat at the end of lap 14, and rejoined behind his team mate and Hamilton. Verstappen look the net lead on lap 15, as Alonso and Stroll lead 1-2. Stroll pitted on lap 15 and Alonso on lap 16 for dry tyres. The rain arrived on lap 19, as Tirowee caught and repassed Hamilton. Three laps later it was time to pit for Inters. Red Bull opted to double stack. As the Austrian outfit had the first pit stall, Tirowee was blocked in his box by the stacking Ferraris in front. The Brit dropped to 8th behind Albon. The Williams and Red Bull have the same Power Unit, and Albon used all his defensive skills to hold off his former team. With pride at stake, Tirowee upped the pressure and passed the Thai driver. Toyota's trying start to the season didn't relent, as Magnussen pulled over with one lap remaining. Verstappen took his third win from three races. Schumacher kept the Dutchman honest less than four second back. Verstappen (74 points) built a 27 point lead over Tirowee. Red Bull's points advantage was reduced by 1 to 49 over Alfa Romeo.
The Qatar track was originally designed with Moto GP in mind played perfectly to the strengths of the RB19. There was Drama for Red Bull in Q3, as an issue for Tirowee's DRS as he left the pits for the final run saw it stuck open. The Brit was fastest on the first runs, and that time would prove to be enough by 0.002s from Leclerc. Schumacher continued his recent form to qualify 3rd. Verstappen was 4th, less than a tenth off the pole time.

The front row barely moved off the lights, as Verstappen and Schumacher rocketed through. Tirowee bided his time behind Schumacher and passed the German into turn 1 on lap 6, and then closed the gap to Verstappen. Tyre wear was much higher than expected. Stroll and Piastri headed in for Hards on lap 11. Speedy work from the McLaren crew for the Australian back in front. Red Bull were confident with their tyre wear as Tirowee boxed for Mediums at the end of lap 12, and Verstappen on lap 13, the Dutchman retained the lead. Leclerc started on Mediums and ran until the end of lap 14, but still oped for Hards. Zhou was feeling the tyre on lap 23/29, and span into the final corner. Unsighted, the field behind barreled in and had to take evasive action. The Safety Car was deployed so Zhou could get back going. Verstappen lead from Leclerc, Schumacher and the Mercedes pair. Racing went back to green with a two lap sprint to the finish. Verstappen pulled a gap over Leclerc, but like Zhou, his Mediums had reached the cliff. Verstappen spun through turn 5. The pack came to a complete stop on the racing line. Verstappen was lucky to only drop to 5th.

For the first time in 10 years, Yas Marina hosted the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Red Bull unveiled a new KTM inspired livery. Red Bull ran conservatively in FP1, as Tiowee was only 10th fastest on Hards, whilst Verstappen was 14th on Mediums. Verstappen and Red Bull were surprised to go 1-2 in FP3. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ran in the sunlight. Sainz started on Softs for a two-stop strategy, whilst the other 19 drivers were on Mediums for a planned one-stop. Gasly had a career best start of 3rd but couldn't hold off Verstappen's offensive and dropped to 4th on lap 3. Those on a one-stop began to pit at the end of lap 13. Hamilton went one lap longer, and Verstappen further still onto lap 15. Red Bull split the strategy, and left Tirowee out until lap 19 to pit for Softs. Verstappen caught and passed Hamilton for the lead in lap 25, but couldn't pull a gap to the Mercedes. Verstappen was leading onto the final lap. Hamilton has saved as much battery as he could for one final assault. Down the back straight, Hamilton dumped the entire battery from the W14 and made a move on the final lap for the win. Hamilton won for the first time since 2020. Verstappen was only 3 tenths behind. Verstappen's lead come down by a point to Tirowee.

Verstappen's Bahrain weekend was curtailed with gearbox issues. The Dutchman was knocked out in Q1, and retired from the race on lap 7.

Red Bull's Azerbaijan Grand Prix was a tale of two halves for each side of the garage. Verstappen pulled out the lap when it mattered. to complete the front row ahead of Hamilton. Tirowee lacked pace and was out in Q1. Red Bull then took a fresh Power Unit, and the Brit lined up at the back. Hamilton made a dive, but Verstappen held the lead. Tirowee made up a few places from the back, but the two-time Champion again dropped back and found himself battling with Lawson to remain in 19th. Tirowee dropped to the back on lap 5. Alonso completed a pass on Vetstappen for the lead on to lap 6. The Williams was the fastest car through the speed trap, and Albon passed the lead Honda powered Red Bull for 2nd on lap 8. Magnussen and Vergne went for a different strategy, and went for a two-stop. Magnussen pit at the end of lap 8, and Vergne lap 10. Both rejoined behind Tirowee and lost significant time. Both drivers blasted past the Red Bull onto lap 11. The top four headed into the pits at the end of lap 12. A routine quick stop from Red Bull got Verstappen back into 2nd. After a lap holding up an under pressure Ticktum, Tirowee boxed at the end of lap 14 for Mediums. Tirowee played the team game for Red Bull and boxed for a fastest lap attempt to try and take the point from Alonso. Verstappen kept Alonso honest, but the Spaniard took victory for a sixth different team. Verstappen reopened his championship lead to 24 points from Tirowee. A mediocre race for Schumacher dropped the German to 37 points back. Red Bull's gap at the top of the Constructor's continued to grow despite Verstappen doing all the heavy lifting.

Qualifying runs for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix took place in FP3 and Saturday was also expected to be wet. Tirowee gave the other 19 drivers something to think about by risking a lap on Inters to top the pile from Schumacher and Verstappen on Wets. he top three from FP3 lined up in the same order on the grid. The second Wildcard race of the season delivers points for every position, and battles for every place. Tirowee held the lead off the start, whilst Verstappen made it a Red Bull 1-2. Verstappen went for the lead on lap 3, but Tirowee was stern in his defense to maintain position. Schumacher found his way past Verstappen and on lap 12/32 the German made a move for the lead. Schumacher and Verstappen pit at the end of lap 16 and the order was maintained. Both drivers were clear of Tirowee. Verstappen showed his hand on the final lap, but Schumacher had put last season behind him and reminded everyone why he's a World Champion to block the Dutchman's offensive. Alonso's mediums were finished by lap 32 and Tirowee made the move Verstappen couldn't to climb back onto the podium. Verstappen's championship lead came down by 2 points to Tirowee.

FP3 for the British Grand Prix took place in Intermediate conditions, with the rain expected to continue into Qualifying. Red Bull could only manage 6th and 12th with Tirowee the lead driver. Verstappen was caught out in Q2 and lined up only 12th. Leclerc held on to first, with Sette Camara rocketing up to second. Verstappen began to gain ground on lap 3, firstly at the expense of Zhou. Norris and most of the grid pit at the end of lap 12. Most boxed for Hards, whilst McLaren were risking it all for a home win and opted for Mediums. Hamilton was also on charge and scythed past Verstappen and Leclerc to make an all-Brit top 3. Hamilton couldn't maintain his earlier offensive, and fell back behind the Ferrari and Red Bull. Verstappen secured the final podium place on the last lap (+FL). Verstappen's lead was down to only 4 points from Tirowee. Schumacher began to slip back, after only taking a single point away from Silverstone. Norris climbed into the top 12 for the first time this season. Red Bulls gap over Alfa Romeo was nearing the points total of the Italian outfit.

Tirowee was in the zone to secure another pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix, ahead of the usual suspects of Schumacher and Verstappen. It was a relatively calm start, as Tirowee controlled the pace whilst Verstappen slipped into 2nd. McLaren began to further understand the upgraded MCL60, and Piastri moved into 3rd at the end of lap 1. One lap later, the Australian moved past the defending World Champion into 2nd. Piastri's glory was short lived, as onto lap 4, Verstappen reclaimed the runner up position. McLaren played the team game, as on lap 8 Piastri allowed Norris through to challenge Verstappen for 2nd. The Brit made the move on lap 9. The front runners began to pit at the end of lap 15. Home hero Verstappen had to go a lap longer was was undercut by Piastri. McLaren once again played a different strategy with Norris. The Brit ran until lap 18 to box for Hards. The Red Bull drivers closed up for a formation finish, with Tirowee securing the win from Verstappen. Tirowee's third win in a row lead the Brit to the top of the Driver's Championship, 3 points ahead of Verstappen. Schumacher filled the no mans land 3rd position.

It was an extremely wet start to qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, but the sky was brightening up. Four big names were caught out in the transition from Wets to Inters at the end of Q1, with Tirowee 20th, Alonso 19th, Leclerc 18th and Russell 17th. The track was drying rapidly throughout Q2, but Inters was still the way to go. The track was just about dry enough at the end of Q3 for Softs, with last over the line having the best track conditions. Yuki Tsunoda ceased the initiative to secure his first ever pole position, ahead of the usual suspects Verstappen and Schumacher. Changeable conditions returned for the race. Tsunoda had the pressure of leading the pack on Full Wets. The Japanese secured the lead into turn 1, as Verstappen held back Schumacher's offensive. All 20 drivers survived the opening lap without damage. The red flag was out on lap 5, as Carlos Sainz's day ended early, and Liam Lawson collected the Ferrari in the process. By the time the AlphaTauri and Ferrari had been cleared away, the sun was out and the track was dry.

The Williams was in its element in the dry, and Albon powered into the lead at the end of lap 9. Tirowee skimmed the Wall of Champions on lap 11, and the loss of momentum granted an easy passage to Norris. Sargeant stated his claim to the Williams seat full time four laps later with a move on the championship leader. With the added confidence boost from passing Tirowee, the American replicated his move two laps later on Stroll. Two laps later, the Heavens opened and it was time for Inters once more. In a desperate bid to regain lost track position, Albon and Norris attempted another lap on Drys, which would only drop the pair further behind. Schumacher brought out a second red flag on lap 29, when the German had an identical crash to Sainz. It was a four lap sprint to the end on Full Wets. With Verstappen leading, Tirowee went on a late charge. Verstappen was most likely unaware of all the chaos unfolding behind, as the Dutchman won from first time podium finishers Oscar Piastri and Yuki Tsunoda. Tirowee made the perfect dive into the final chicane on Stroll on the last lap for a top 5. Verstappen opened a healthy 11 point lead over Tirowee. Schumacher fell to 66 points behind after a no score.

Verstappen qualified second for the Spanish Grand Prix. Tirowee didn't improve on his second runs in Q3 and lined up 7th. Verstappen stole the lead from Norris, whilst Tirowee moved up to 5th. Williams suffered another mechanical retirement, but this time to Logan Sargeant's car. The Safety Car was deployed, allowing the FW45 to be cleared. Norris lead back to green at the end of lap 7, but Verstappen headed into the pits. The Dutchman picked up a slow puncture, and the defending World Champion also converted to a two-stop. The one-stoppers that were on Mediums began to pit at the end of lap 16 for Hards. Verstappen was leading the race before he had to pit again on lap 20 for another set of Mediums. Verstappen made the most of a bad situation to salvage 8th. Verstappen's lead was cut down to only 2 points to Tirowee. Schumacher also closed in but was still 61 points behind.

The Singapore Grand Prix looked set to be a disaster for Red Bull. The dominant team of 2023 failed to find a setup in the Simulator, leaving any breakthrough to be found on track. FP1 brought further hardship for the Austrian outfit, as Albon made contact with Tirowee and brought their running for the session to an end. The Williams driver misread Tirowee running wide as him letting Albon through. Red Bull completed the order in 19th and 20th in FP1. Red Bull improved in FP2, but only to 14th with Tirowee and 15th for Verstappen. Verstappen cracked the top 12 in FP3. Red Bull took a step back in qualifying, with Tirowee 18th and Verstappen 19th. The final Wildcard race of the season started dry, but rain was projected later on. Sargeant got the jump on the reigning World Champion to move into 19th. The American fought valiantly to hold onto his position, but Verstappen had the measure of the rookie on lap 5 to take back 19th. Most drivers pit for Inters at the end of lap 5. Albon crashed heavily and brought out the red flag. The Thai-Brit's tyres were still cold and he spun his FW45 in the same place he had contact with Tirowee in FP1. The rain only got heavier during the race stoppage. Tirowee climbed into the top 10 from 18th on the grid, whilst Verstappen only made it up to 17th. Tirowee reclaimed the lead of the Driver's Championship by 4 points from Verstappen. Red Bull took a step closer to retaining their Constructor's trophy for another season, despite Alfa Romeo closing the gap.

## Racing Record (Formula One Results Only)

Results in **bold** indicate Championships won.

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