Max Verstappen had been leading the world championship since the inception of the current ground effect era in 2022.

Key Takeaways Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen makes millions from F1. Verstappen has an estimated net worth of $200 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.Verstappen was the highest-paid F1 driver in 2024,

After struggling with setup issues through Australian Grand Prix practice, Max Verstappen was surprised by his Red Bull car's performance on Saturday as the Formula 1 defending champion took third place in qualifying for the season-opening race.

McLaren's Norris beat defending champion Max Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, in a close finish with the Dutchman hot on the heels of the British driver looking to land his first F1 title. It puts Norris top of the leaderboard after one week, and is the first time in more than 1,000 days that Verstappen has not been at the top looking down.