Four-time World Champion Max Verstappen has once again etched his name into the history books, smashing the record for the fastest race in Formula 1 history. The Dutch superstar clocked an astonishing fastest lap of 1 minute 18.792 seconds, surpassing legendary drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Räikkönen, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Keke Rosberg, who had all previously held the record at different points in F1’s evolution.
The reigning F1 Drivers’ Champion delivered a dominant performance, crossing the chequered flag in just 1 hour and 13 minutes, securing his third Grand Prix victory of the 2025 Formula 1 season after earlier wins in Japan and Imola. This remarkable achievement not only highlights Verstappen’s unmatched consistency but also underlines his ability to continue redefining the limits of the sport.
According to BBCsports report, he said, “Honestly, I didn’t even think about that when I crossed the line, but it’s nice. It didn’t feel too bad. The cars have been fun.
“They are pretty decent in the high speed (corners). They’re quite quick in a straight line.
“Of course, the low speed (corners), that’s where we lose out compared to the previous generation (of cars). And yeah, on some tracks you can do these lap records now.
“Also, the new Tarmac helps around here, kerbing (too). Like, the kerbs opened up a little bit.
“I think the 2020 Mercedes is still quicker if you would put it on the track now, but it’s been good. At some tracks it’s more fun than others.”
A Legacy of Speed Records in Formula 1
The history of fastest laps in Formula 1 is a timeline of great champions pushing boundaries:
- In 1985, Keke Rosberg became the first driver to break the 160 mph barrier at the British Grand Prix.
- Nearly two decades later, Juan Pablo Montoya raised the standard in 2004, reaching 162.95 mph.
- In 2018, Kimi Räikkönen took over, only for Lewis Hamilton to eclipse it in 2020 with a blistering 164.286 mph.
- Most recently, McLaren’s Lando Norris briefly held the record before Verstappen’s jaw-dropping 164.466 mph lap rewrote the books in 2025.
Red Bull’s Rocky Season, Verstappen’s Brilliance
Red Bull Racing’s 2025 Formula 1 campaign has been anything but smooth, with engine reliability concerns and the departure of long-time team principal Christian Horner casting doubts over their championship charge. However, Verstappen’s relentless pursuit of excellence has kept the team’s hopes alive, proving once again why he is regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the modern era.
Verstappen’s Impact on Formula 1
This record-breaking triumph further cements Verstappen’s reputation as the face of Formula 1’s new generation. With every season, the Dutchman continues to push the envelope, setting milestones that not only define his career but also elevate the sport itself.
As the 2025 Formula 1 season unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly on Verstappen. With his latest achievement — the fastest race in F1 history — fans and rivals alike will be watching closely to see how many more records he can rewrite.