Verstappen on the Verge of Matching Senna's F1 Record in Qatar
Max Verstappen is on the brink of equaling Ayrton Senna's record for most F1 Grand Prix wins after leading every lap, with the Qatar Grand Prix offering him the chance for his 19th such victory. Currently in a fierce title fight with Norris and Piastri, Verstappen's historical pursuit adds another layer of intrigue to the 2025 season, making him a strong favorite despite tough competition.
Max Verstappen is poised to further cement his place in Formula 1 history at the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix. The Red Bull Racing driver has the opportunity to equal Ayrton Senna's remarkable record of winning a Grand Prix after leading every single lap.
Why it matters:
Verstappen's relentless dominance continues to challenge historical benchmarks. Matching an icon like Senna underscores his extraordinary talent and Red Bull's current competitive advantage, while also intensifying the narrative around his ongoing title battle with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. This pursuit of F1 history adds another layer of excitement to what is already a thrilling season.
The Details:
- Should Verstappen achieve this feat in Qatar, it would mark the 19th time he has led a race from start to finish.
- This would draw him level with Ayrton Senna, who currently holds the second-highest number of such victories.
- The all-time record for leading every lap in a Grand Prix is 23, held by Lewis Hamilton, placing Verstappen just four races shy of this ultimate benchmark.
- Verstappen recently reached 18 'lights-to-flag' victories after his commanding performance at the Las Vegas race, where he led every lap.
- The Lusail International Circuit in Qatar has historically been a strong track for Verstappen; he has clinched victory while leading every lap in two of the three races held there so far.
The big picture:
Despite being in a tight three-way title battle, Verstappen remains a formidable favorite. 1997 F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has publicly stated his belief that Verstappen is still the firm favorite for the 2025 drivers’ title, especially following the recent disqualification suffered by the McLaren team in Las Vegas. Villeneuve highlighted Verstappen's extensive experience as a crucial factor and even suggested that Red Bull Racing could strategically use their second driver to Max's advantage in the final two races of the campaign.
What's next:
The Qatar Grand Prix is the next stop on the 2025 calendar, where all eyes will be on Verstappen as he chases this significant milestone. Fans can expect an intense weekend of racing as the championship battle continues to unfold, with Verstappen aiming to make history while defending his lead against strong McLaren challengers. The outcome in Qatar could significantly impact the championship's final stages.