Verstappen surpasses Vettel, nears Schumacher, Hamilton feat

Max Verstappen has eclipsed Sebastian Vettel’s record on the list of drivers with the most podium finishes in the history of Formula 1 after the Mexico Grand Prix.

The Red Bull Racing driver secured third place at the Mexico City race to clinch the 123rd podium finish of his career. The result saw him surpass fellow four-time world champion Vettel to become the third driver with the most podiums in the sport’s storied history.

Verstappen, who achieved his maiden career podium with a victory at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, also moved closer to the record holders in the sport – Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher – who sit on 202 and 155 podium finishes respectively.

The Dutch driver also ranks just behind both seven-time world champions on the list of race victories in the history of the sport.

The podium also marked his 10th of the 2025 campaign, behind the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who sit on 15 and 14 respectively – the pair he continues to chase in the 2025 drivers’ title fight.

Verstappen reiterated the need for the Red Bull Racing team to be perfect to have a shot at winning the 2025 drivers’ championship.

The 28-year-old, who saw a late Virtual Safety Car deny him a possible second place in Mexico City, stated that his chances of clinching the title remain statistically possible, but only perfection from the team would make such ambition come to fruition.

The four-time world champion currently lies third in the drivers’ standings, 36 points behind new championship leader Norris.

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