Max Verstappen has secured the 2025 ESPYS Best Driver award for the third consecutive year, overcoming competitors such as Joey Logano, Alex Palou, and Oscar Piastri. The award comes after Verstappen’s dominant 2024 season, where he once again proved why he remains a leading figure in motorsport.
During the 2024 Formula 1 Championship, Verstappen secured the title by surpassing McLaren’s Lando Norris. Over the season, Verstappen amassed nine race wins, achieved eight pole positions, and stood on the podium 14 times, ultimately winning by a comfortable margin of 63 points. His continued success underscores why he has retained the ESPYS Best Driver accolade, a distinction he first earned in 2023.
This year Verstappen prevailed against a strong field, including Oscar Piastri, who leads the 2025 F1 season, NASCAR defending champion Joey Logano, and IndyCar 2024 champion Alex Palou. Despite Verstappen’s current streak, some experts doubt he will maintain this dominance into 2026 given his recent form.
Notably absent from the list of nominees was Kyle Larson, who had an exceptional 2024 with six Cup Series victories, though he is a past ESPYS winner from 2022. Along with Verstappen, other major sports figures honored at the ceremony included NBA player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, NFL athlete Saquon Barkley, and gymnast Simone Biles. The ESPYS ceremony is hosted annually in the United States by ESPN.
Verstappen Addresses Speculation Over His Formula 1 Future
Amid growing rumors linking Verstappen to Mercedes, the Dutch driver publicly commented on his future plans within Formula 1. When questioned by the media, Verstappen maintained a calm and focused stance, stating,
“There is no decision at the moment. For me, it’s not about ‘26 or whatever. I just focus on what I have ahead of me, work with the team. Of course, a lot of people make up assumptions, but that’s not me.” —Max Verstappen, Driver
The chatter about Verstappen’s potential switch to Mercedes has intensified due to internal uncertainties at Red Bull, especially as the team prepares to begin building engines with the assistance of Ford in the upcoming season. Mercedes is expected to remain a strong contender under new regulations, often referred to as the Silver Arrows for their track dominance.
Verstappen’s management team, including his father Jos Verstappen and manager Raymond Vermeulen, is reportedly in contact with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Despite Verstappen’s current contract with Red Bull lasting through 2028, it contains a performance clause enabling him to exit if the team’s car underperforms, opening the door for a move.
This situation places Verstappen at a critical crossroads in his career, as he balances loyalty to Red Bull against opportunities with rival teams that may offer better prospects. His decision will have significant implications for the 2026 F1 season and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a billionaire?
A. Based on different reports, Max Verstappen’s net worth is about $210 million.
Q. Did Max Verstappen apologize?
A. Christian Horner shared that Max Verstappen said sorry to the Red Bull team. This happened after Verstappen’s crash with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. Because of this incident, Verstappen received a 10-second penalty, causing him to fall from fifth to tenth place.
Q. Who did Max Verstappen lose respect for?
A. Max Verstappen stated that he no longer respects George Russell following a stewards’ meeting in Qatar concerning a qualifying incident in Formula 1.
Q. Has Max Verstappen apologized to Lando Norris?
A. He doesn’t have to apologize. I don’t expect one from him and don’t feel he should say sorry. The race was reviewed and considered fair, although it was sometimes close to the line. We’ve discussed it and are both ready to race again.