Verstappen Claims Crazy F1 Record with Brazil GP Comeback

Max Verstappen continues to etch his name into the Formula 1 history books, achieving a remarkable and unprecedented record at the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix. Starting from the pit lane, the Red Bull star delivered a spectacular drive to secure a third-place finish, not only marking one of the season's most incredible comebacks but also setting a truly unique F1 record.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's latest feat underscores his extraordinary versatility and ability to contend for podiums from virtually any starting position. In an era where grid position is often paramount, his consistent performance regardless of his starting spot highlights his dominance and Red Bull's formidable package. This record further solidifies his status as one of Formula 1's most complete and adaptable drivers, continually pushing the boundaries of what's considered possible.

The details:

• Verstappen has now achieved podium finishes from more different starting positions than any driver in Formula 1 history. These include starting positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, and now, sensationally, from the pit lane.
• Rare Pit Lane Podiums: Achieving a podium finish from the pit lane is an extremely rare occurrence in F1. Historically, only seven other drivers have managed this feat, including legends such as Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, Sebastian Vettel, Rubens Barrichello, and Kimi Räikkönen. Lewis Hamilton was the last to do so in Hungary in 2014.
• Podium Consistency: This third-place finish in São Paulo marked Verstappen's seventh consecutive podium. He also surpassed Hamilton in another significant statistic: with 124 podiums in 230 Grands Prix, Verstappen boasts a top-three finish rate of 53.91 percent, just edging out Hamilton's 53.58 percent.
• Brazil: Verstappen's Domain: Brazil continues to be a fertile ground for Verstappen's heroics. In 2024, he stormed to victory from a surprising 17th place on the grid, further cementing his reputation for spectacular performances at Interlagos.

The big picture:

Verstappen's continued ability to overcome adverse starting conditions speaks volumes about his skill, his team's strategy, and the sheer pace of the Red Bull car. In a sport that often emphasizes qualifying performance, his record demonstrates an unparalleled capacity for race-day recovery and consistent excellence. This trend of overcoming significant grid penalties or technical setbacks to still achieve top results sets him apart from many of his peers and elevates his legendary status.

What's next:

With his relentless pursuit of records and his demonstrated ability to perform under pressure, Verstappen is expected to continue dominating the sport. As the F1 season progresses, all eyes will be on how many more records he can shatter and whether he can maintain this extraordinary level of performance, especially from challenging grid positions. His consistent results will undoubtedly be a key factor in Red Bull's championship aspirations.