Max Verstappen became Formula 1’s youngest-ever Grand Prix winner at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.
Verstappen was only 18 years and 228 days old when he won at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 15 May 2016. Red Bull Racing promoted him from Toro Rosso before that race, replacing Daniil Kvyat. He immediately justified the decision with a composed performance.
The race became famous after Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg collided on the opening lap. Verstappen then held off Ferrari’s Kimi Räikkönen for the victory. His result broke Sebastian Vettel’s previous record for youngest winner, set at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix.
Verstappen’s victory was also the first Formula 1 win by a driver born in the 1990s. He later became World Champion, but the 2016 Spanish race remains the defining early milestone most often associated with his career.