Max Verstappen’s Impressive Overtaking Skills: A Deep Dive into His Memorable First Laps

Max Verstappen, the renowned Dutch driver for Red Bull Racing, has consistently showcased his remarkable overtaking abilities throughout his Formula 1 career. His knack for seizing opportunities during the critical opening laps of races has not only earned him numerous victories but has also solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s elite competitors. This article explores some of the most notable first-lap overtakes made by Verstappen, including his recent performance at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in 2025, as well as his strategic moves in previous seasons.

The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix 2025: A Masterclass in Overtaking

In the 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix held at Imola, Verstappen faced a challenging start. Lining up next to Oscar Piastri, who held pole position, Verstappen initially struggled as the lights went out. He quickly fell back to third place when George Russell managed to squeeze past him. However, the seasoned driver did not let this setback deter him.

With his characteristic focus, Verstappen strategically positioned his Red Bull RB21 for the upcoming turn. He ensured that he had a clear line of sight in both mirrors, preventing Russell from undercutting him on the outside. Simultaneously, he left just enough space on his right to prevent Lando Norris from making a move. This careful positioning allowed Verstappen to take advantage of the superior grip on the racing line.

As they approached the braking zone, Verstappen braked later than Piastri, who admitted later that he had been too cautious. Verstappen entered the corner with significant speed, overtaking Piastri and reclaiming the lead. This maneuver not only set the tone for the race but also demonstrated Verstappen’s ability to adapt and seize opportunities under pressure.

Imola 2021: The Beginning of a Dominant Streak

The 2021 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix marked the start of Verstappen’s impressive run at Imola, where he would secure victories for four consecutive years. During this race, Verstappen was embroiled in a fierce title battle with Lewis Hamilton. The race began under challenging weather conditions, with a wet track adding to the drama.

Starting from third place, Verstappen quickly capitalized on the situation. By the time they reached the first chicane, he was already dueling with Hamilton, who had started from pole position. Verstappen’s decisive move at Tamburello resulted in Hamilton being pushed off the track, causing him to lose part of his front wing. This pivotal overtaking maneuver allowed Verstappen to take the lead, which he maintained throughout the race. Ultimately, he crossed the finish line nearly 22 seconds ahead of Hamilton, securing a crucial victory in his championship campaign.

Mexico 2021: A Battle of Wits

The atmosphere was electric when Formula 1 arrived in Mexico later in 2021. Following a thrilling race in Austin, Verstappen knew he had to perform well at the high-altitude Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, a track historically favorable for Red Bull. However, he found himself starting in third place after a less-than-ideal qualifying session.

As the race commenced, Verstappen expertly utilized the slipstream created by Valtteri Bottas, who was on pole alongside Hamilton. With Bottas on the inside and Hamilton alongside him, Verstappen seized the opportunity to overtake both drivers as they approached the first corner. He maneuvered to the outside line, allowing him to brake later and gain the lead. By the end of the opening lap, Verstappen had distanced himself from the competition, ultimately winning the race by over 16 seconds. This performance underscored his ability to capitalize on strategic opportunities.

Belgium 2022: A Comeback from the Back

The landscape of Formula 1 shifted dramatically by 2022, with new regulations and a change in car design. Following a challenging start to the season, Verstappen found himself starting from 14th place at the Belgian Grand Prix due to grid penalties. Nevertheless, he remained undeterred.

As the race began, Verstappen made rapid progress through the field. By the time he reached La Source hairpin, he had already moved up to eighth place. Throughout the opening laps, he exhibited patience and skill, carefully navigating around slower cars. His determination paid off when he eventually passed his teammate, Sergio Pérez, for the lead on lap 12. This remarkable recovery from 14th to first demonstrated Verstappen’s talent and strategic thinking.

Japan 2022: Holding Onto the Lead

In October 2022, the Suzuka circuit hosted the Japanese Grand Prix. Rain poured down before the race, creating challenging conditions for all drivers. Verstappen started from pole position but faced a strong challenge from Charles Leclerc, who had a better start.

As they approached the first corner, Leclerc managed to get ahead, taking the inside line. However, Verstappen, known for his audacity, opted for the outside line, making a daring move to reclaim the lead. Despite the slippery conditions, he maintained his grip and outmaneuvered Leclerc, regaining his position. Although this was not a traditional overtaking maneuver, it showcased Verstappen’s skill in defending his lead under pressure.

The race eventually concluded with Verstappen winning by an impressive margin, further solidifying his status as a dominant force in Formula 1.

Brazil 2024: A Race for the Title

Fast forward to 2024, the Brazilian Grand Prix presented a unique challenge for Verstappen. After an exhilarating season, he found himself in a tight race for the championship. However, a qualifying mishap left him starting in 17th place due to an engine penalty.

Despite the setback, Verstappen approached the race with determination. As the lights went out, he quickly climbed through the field, reaching 11th place by the end of the first lap. His strategic choice to take the outside line at the Senna S proved to be a game-changer, allowing him to overtake multiple competitors.

Verstappen’s tenacity paid off as he continued to charge through the pack. By the time he crossed the finish line, he had not only secured a crucial victory but also taken a significant step toward clinching the championship.

The Art of Overtaking: Verstappen’s Technique

Max Verstappen’s ability to overtake is not merely a product of speed; it is rooted in his understanding of race dynamics and strategic thinking. His approach includes:

• Positioning: Verstappen often carefully positions himself to maximize his chances of overtaking. By observing his opponents’ movements, he can anticipate their actions and respond effectively.

• Late Braking: One of Verstappen’s trademarks is his ability to brake later than his competitors, allowing him to maintain speed through corners and gain an advantage during overtaking maneuvers.

• Utilizing Grip: Verstappen understands the importance of grip and traction. He often takes the racing line, which provides better grip, enabling him to accelerate out of corners more effectively than his rivals.

• Psychological Warfare: Verstappen is also a master at psychological tactics. By pressuring his opponents and forcing them into mistakes, he creates opportunities for himself.

Conclusion

Max Verstappen has become synonymous with thrilling overtaking maneuvers in Formula 1. His performances at Imola, Mexico, Belgium, Japan, and Brazil reveal a driver who not only possesses incredible skill but also an innate understanding of race strategy. As he continues to compete at the highest level, fans can undoubtedly expect to witness more spectacular overtakes and memorable moments from this extraordinary talent.

Whether it’s a daring move on the opening lap or a calculated strategy to maintain his lead, Verstappen’s ability to navigate the complexities of racing makes him a formidable force on the track. As he aims for more championships, the world will be watching closely to see what incredible maneuvers he will pull off next.