Max Verstappen recalls ‘emotional’ maiden Formula 1 win at Spanish Grand Prix 10 years later

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It is now 10 years since Max Verstappen’s record-breaking maiden Formula 1 victory at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, and the four-time world champion has recalled his emotions from the day 70 wins later.

Kimi Antonelli’s maiden F1 victory at the Chinese Grand Prix just a couple of months ago nailed down just how impressive Max Verstappen’s win at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix really was.

Kimi Antonelli’s win in Shanghai makes him the second youngest Grand Prix winner in F1 history. Will Max Verstappen’s record ever be broken?!

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At 19 years, six months and 18 days old, Antonelli’s feat was impressive, but he was still one year older than Verstappen, who secured a trip to the chequered flag in Barcelona that year at just 18 years, seven months and 15 days old.

The Dutchman is unlikely to be usurped in the record books any time soon, given how incredibly young he was at the time of his promotion to Red Bull mid-way through the 2016 campaign.

• READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton echoes Max Verstappen’s prediction for Kimi Antonelli after Chinese GP victory

Max Verstappen recalls his ’emotional’ maiden F1 win 10 years later

During a recent video on F1’s official YouTube channel, in which Verstappen recalled 10 of his best victories in the pinnacle of single-seater racing, the first race that came up was, of course, his feat at the Montmelo-based circuit in 2016.

After being presented with an image of him standing on the podium that year in Barcelona, the Red Bull ace said, “The first one in Spain. Yeah, that was a crazy one.

“Of course, just being promoted to Red Bull and then jumping in, not really expecting anything, just trying to score good points. But of course, after lap one, I think the opportunity was there for a podium.

“To end up winning that race is just crazy. I have no other words for that because it was so hectic, the whole weekend already or the week leading up to it.

“Then also for me, because not really knowing the car yet, the first time doing a race distance in it, it was just learning all the way. And then I had Kimi [Raikkonen], for like 30 laps, behind me trying to pass me.

“So yeah, there was a lot of pressure, but at the end of the day we managed to keep it in the lead and, yeah, it was a very emotional first win that’s for sure.

“It’s been a long time, for sure. That’s how it feels, but it’s always good to see it again.”

• READ MORE: Kimi Antonelli has just done something even Max Verstappen never managed in F1

The 2016 Spanish Grand Prix remains Max Verstappen’s favourite win in F1

With 71 Grand Prix victories currently to his name, Verstappen has managed to see the chequered flag first following a multitude of impressive performances.

He has seemingly always found an extra tenth upon his arrival at Interlagos, evident through his career-defining wins in 2019 and 2024, with David Coulthard seeing the latter of Verstappen’s as one of the best drives of all time by any F1 competitor.

However, Verstappen has always mentioned Spain 2016 as his favourite win, given its importance as his first in the sport. 10 years and 70 wins later, it remains at the top spot.

“I mean, for me, it’s pretty easy,” Verstappen answered after being asked what his favourite win is, before adding, “I would say your first win is the most emotional one. You will never forget that one.”