Max Verstappen shatters Schumacher's 20-year-old F1 speed record with Italian Grand Prix win

Max Verstappen set a new record for the fastest race in Formula 1 history at the Italian Grand Prix, completing 53 laps in 1 hour, 13 minutes and 24.32 seconds.

Updated on: Sep 7, 2025, 22:02:54 IST

By Shweta Kukreti

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Max Verstappen on Saturday broke Michael Schumacher's long-standing record for the fastest race in Formula 1 history by surging to victory at the Italian Grand Prix, starting from pole position.

Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen celebrates his victory on the podium after winning the Italian Formula One Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza circuit, in Monza, northern Italy, on September 7, 2025. (Photo by Philippe Lopez / AFP) (AFP)

At Monza, the Red Bull driver beat Schumacher's 2003 record of 1 hour, 14 minutes, and 19.838 seconds by completing the 53 laps in 1 hour, 13 minutes, and 24.32 seconds. That race, which took place at Monza as well, had been the sport's speed record for over 20 years.

Verstappen speaks about his Italian Grand Prix win

After his stunning victory, Verstappen stated: “Lap 1 was a bit unlucky but after that we were flying. The car was really enjoyable, I could manage the pace and we pitted at the right time. Just fantastic execution by everyone. Step by step, race by race — but this was for us an unbelievable weekend.”

Verstappen's supremacy at the front was always clear, but McLaren delivered the final drama. After a costly 5.9-second pit break, Lando Norris fell behind teammate and title challenger Oscar Piastri, who had been in second place. After receiving instructions to relinquish the position, Norris was able to regain second place and reduce Piastri's championship advantage to 31 points.

Calling it “unbelievable weekend”, Verstappen wrote on X, “Really proud of the massive effort from everyone@redbullracing💪 Grazie mille!”

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Here's what Norris said

Following the defeat, Norris acknowledged that he had few grievances, saying that he knew it would be a good battle with Max. “One of those weekends where we are a bit slower but a good fight and I enjoyed it. No idea [with the pit stop] but I guess every now and then we make mistakes as a team, and today was one of them. I did everything I could today, I couldn’t do a lot more. I tried to fight with Max but he came out on top and deserved it.”

A look at Verstappen's record

Verstappen completed an unforgettable Italian double after setting the fastest lap in Formula 1 history after qualifying on Saturday. It was his first win since Imola in May and only his third of the season.

The outcome solidifies Verstappen's standing at Monza and adds an additional chapter to Formula 1's record books. Verstappen is currently a four-time world champion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shweta Kukreti
Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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