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Verstappen in Spain: three wins, but will number four follow?
- Estéban den Toom
Next weekend the Spanish Grand Prix is on the programme. Normally one that always suits Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing well, but the level of competition is not fine for the Austrian constructor. Verstappen has plenty of experience of winning in Spain, though. Here is a list of all Verstappen's highlights at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Legendary 2015 Verstappen victory
"Joohee, joohoo." Those were Olav Mol's legendary words as Verstappen crossed the finish line at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix. Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton hit each other on the first lap of the race, and together, the Mercedes pair flew off the track, giving Verstappen his first victory.
Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel did not get past Verstappen in their Ferrari, and so the Red Bull driver made history on 15 May 2016. It was his first victory in the king class of motorsport. The Dutchman holds the record for the youngest race winner in Formula 1. Verstappen was just 18 years and 288 days young when he made the Dutch celebrate in Barcelona.
After years of Hamilton dominance, Verstappen's win follows
The five editions after 2016 (2017 to 2021) were all won by Hamilton in his Mercedes. During the 2022 edition, Verstappen was by far the fastest in the field. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc started in pole position and got through the first corner in one piece. Indeed, the Monegasque driver held on for quite a long time, but the engine threw a spanner in the works.
On lap 27, Leclerc had to abandon the battle. "I've lost power," the Ferrari driver shouted over the team radio when he noticed he could no longer continue at a decent pace. Verstappen then passed George Russell, who had overtaken him and drove to victory. Teammate Sergio Perez still finished second, leaving Russell to settle for third.
Verstappen also won last season
A year later, things went a lot easier for Verstappen. With his RB19, he was ahead of everyone. The reigning world champion started in pole position and managed to fend off Carlos Sainz's attack in the first corner. Because Verstappen also managed to take Perez's fastest lap, he ended the weekend with 26 points instead of 25, earning a 'grand slam' weekend.
Will Verstappen join the illustrious list?
It marked Verstappen's third win at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Next weekend (21-23 June), the 26-year-old driver can add one more. No doubt it will not be as easy as 2023, but the chances are there for Verstappen, Red Bull and the RB20. Perhaps teammate Perez can also surprise this weekend, he signed another multi-year contract with Red Bull before the Canadian Grand Prix.
Should Verstappen win the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, the Dutchman will join an illustrious list. Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Mika Hakkinen and Jackie Stewart were all drivers who won the Spanish Grand Prix three times in a row. Should Verstappen win, he will join them.
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy