WATCH: Verstappen climbs 10 places in 3 laps in amazing Russia start
What. A. Start. It’s not the first time in his career Max Verstappen has made a barnstorming getaway, but there was something beautifully brutal about the way the Dutchman – celebrating his 21st birthday – carved his way so quickly up the order in Sochi, having started 19th after a slew of grid penalties.
“Without any accidents, I think I can finish fifth,” Verstappen had confidently predicted on Saturday evening, and he was as good as his word in the race, though quite whether he thought himself capable of managing 10 passes in just three laps is another matter.
So here it is in full, in all its glory: three video game-like laps from one of F1's deadliest overtakers. Sit back and enjoy.
Next Up
Related Articles
UnlockedAll the stories that got the Mexico City paddock talking
BettingBest Qualifying bets before the Mexico City GP
Bearman offers update on F1 future ahead of Mexico City GP
What the teams said – Friday in Mexico City
Leclerc fastest in Mexico FP1 as new faces make F1 debuts
Piastri on why McLaren’s Mexico prospects are ‘very difficult to know’