Verstappen Makes History with Third Consecutive Best Driver ESPY
Max Verstappen has continued his extraordinary winning streak, securing the Best Driver award at the 2025 ESPY Awards—his third straight year taking home the prestigious accolade. Presented at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on July 16, the award recognized the Formula 1 champion’s dominance throughout the 2024 season and his unparalleled consistency at the top of motorsport,
Outpacing Top Contenders
Verstappen emerged ahead of formidable challengers, including 2025 Formula 1 championship leader Oscar Piastri, IndyCar champion Alex Palou, and NASCAR’s defending Cup Series champion Joey Logano . Despite fierce competition from other racing disciplines, Verstappen’s 2024 record—featuring nine race wins, eight pole positions, and 14 podium finishes—cemented his reputation as the standout driver of the year .
Red Car, Red Bull, Golden Trophy
Driving for Oracle Red Bull Racing, Verstappen once again proved unbeatable. His skill in extracting maximum performance from his car, even when it occasionally lagged behind rivals like McLaren, was widely praised. One fan quipped, “He is miles clear of Oscar lol,” underscoring the perceived gap between Verstappen and the rest.
In the space of two seasons, Verstappen has now been awarded the ESPY for Best Driver in 2023, 2024, and now 2025, joining an elite group of multi-time winners in the award’s storied history.
Reflections from Red Bull Camp
Although official post-win comments from Verstappen were limited, the sentiment around his dominance was clear. From the red carpet to press pockets, the message was unanimous: this was no fluke. Despite McLaren’s resurgence and Oscar Piastri’s strong start to the 2025 campaign, Verstappen’s 2024 campaign remains the benchmark. One report noted that his 63‑point championship margin over Lando Norris only adds to his legacy .
The Broader ESPY Stage
Verstappen shared the spotlight with several sports luminaries on the night. Simone Biles earned Best Female Athlete, Saquon Barkley was crowned Best NFL Player, and Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander was honored as Best Male Athlete. But for the motorsport world, it was once more Max’s night. His continued dominance on and off track keeps the F1 driver in the global sports spotlight.
In becoming the first driver to win **three consecutive Best Driver ESPYs since its inception in 1993—and joining the list of repeat champions—Verstappen has not just made history; he has redefined what excellence means in modern motorsport.