WATCH: OTD - Max Verstappen takes his first pole at 2019 Hungarian Grand Prix

Five years ago, on August 3, 2019, Max Verstappen, then a rising star in Formula 1, marked a significant milestone in his career by securing his first-ever pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix. At just 21 years old, the Dutch driver delivered a stunning performance that would become a defining moment in his journey to becoming one of the sport's top competitors.

Verstappen, driving for Red Bull Racing, showcased his exceptional talent by producing a near-perfect lap during the qualifying session. He initially set a new track record with a lap time of 1 minute, 14.958 seconds. Not content with this, Verstappen pushed his limits even further and shattered his record, clocking an astonishing 1:14.572. This impressive achievement not only earned him the pole position but also established his reputation as a formidable force on the track.

Here is the video:

maxs first pole position, during the 2019 hungarian gp pic.twitter.com/em6iq96FHu

— nini (@SCUDERIAFEMBOY) September 30, 2023

The significance of this pole position was amplified by the level of competition Verstappen faced. Mercedes, the dominant team of the era, posed a serious challenge, with Valtteri Bottas securing second place in qualifying and Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton, who was chasing his 88th career pole and a record-equaling seventh at the Hungaroring, was bested by the young Verstappen.

Lewis Hamilton clinched the victory!

Ferrari’s performance in qualifying also added to the drama of the session. Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel, who were strong contenders, showed promise in the first sector of the track but ultimately couldn’t maintain their pace, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively. Verstappen's pole position was a testament to his ability to perform under pressure and outpace even the most experienced drivers on the grid.

Although Verstappen did not win the race the following day, finishing second behind Hamilton, his pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix was a clear indication of his growing prowess. It set the stage for his future successes in the sport, where he would go on to become a World Champion and continue to challenge the established order.