OTD - WATCH: Max Verstappen's maiden Grand Prix victory at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

The upcoming Spanish Grand Prix marks a nostalgic event for Red Bull fans and Max Verstappen. In 2016 as a teenager, rookie Verstappen got a chance to drive Red Bull at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and the rest is history. Verstappen won his first-ever Grand Prix in Barcelona becoming the only teenager to win the grand prix.

Moving up to Red Bull Racing after only five races with AlphaTauri F1, replacing Daniil Kvyat, Verstappen showcased his talent by qualifying an impressive fourth on the grid. Using his limited experience in the car Verstappen showcased some amazing driving skills in the qualifications round.

WATCH highlights of Max Verstappen’s maiden GP win:

The beginning of something very special 👀

Spain, 2016 - Max Verstappen becomes the only teenager to ever win a Grand Prix, on his @redbullracing debut, no less 👶#F1 #SpanishGP pic.twitter.com/0Kt4TGHmgM

— Formula 1 (@F1) June 19, 2024

The race was expected to be dominated by Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg starting from the front row. However, their collision on the first lap opened up the opportunity for Verstappen, along with Daniel Ricciardo and the Ferraris of Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen, to battle for victory.

How does Max Verstappen dominate the track?

While Vettel and Ricciardo opted for a three-stop strategy, Verstappen and Raikkonen's decision to pit twice proved decisive. Raikkonen pressured Verstappen intensely in the final laps, but the Dutch teenager held his nerve to secure an unforgettable maiden win.

After his maiden Grand Prix win in 2016, Verstappen had to wait for five more seasons to name his maiden World Championship title. In 2021 he won his first-ever driver’s championship and since then has been a three-time reigning champion.

Verstappen is currently leading the ongoing season with more than 50 points and will be keen to increase his lead in the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix. Notably, the last two races in Barcelona have been dominated by him and this season also he seems to be the favourite driver along with Charles Leclerc and the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.