Verstappen Sets New F1 Fastest Lap Record at Monza

Max Verstappen has broken the record for the fastest-ever Formula 1 lap by average speed, achieving an astonishing 264.681km/h at Monza. This historic moment saw him surpass Lando Norris, who had briefly claimed the record from Lewis Hamilton's 2020 benchmark just minutes before.

Why it matters

This record is more than just raw speed; it's a true measure of a driver's unparalleled skill and a car's engineering excellence. Historically, only F1's greatest champions have held this prestigious record, solidifying its place as a mark of driving mastery.

The Big Picture: A Legacy of Speed

The pursuit of ultimate lap speed has defined F1 since its inception.

• Pioneers: Giuseppe Farina set the inaugural record at Silverstone in 1950 (151.300km/h). Juan Manuel Fangio rapidly raised the bar, exceeding 200km/h by 1951.
• Turbo Era Thunder: Keke Rosberg's audacious 1985 Silverstone lap (258.983km/h) in a 1000bhp turbo Williams stood for 17 years, a testament to that era's raw power.
• V10 Peak: Juan Pablo Montoya broke Rosberg's record in 2002 and then became the first to average over 260km/h at Monza in 2004 with Williams, famously predicting the record's longevity.
• Modern Era: Kimi Räikkönen briefly held it in 2018 (262.587km/h), with Lewis Hamilton eclipsing it in 2020 (264.362km/h) at a fan-less Monza.

What's next

Verstappen's new record, set before a packed Monza crowd, not only redefines speed but reinforces his position among F1's all-time greats. It highlights the relentless pursuit of performance that continues to push motorsport's boundaries.