Max Verstappen was voted Driver of the Day by fans following his second-place finish at the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. Despite an early setback, Verstappen’s performance stood out to supporters, earning him the most votes among the drivers on the grid.
During the race, Verstappen had to relinquish positions to Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton after cutting the first chicane at the start. Nevertheless, he managed to recover and hold off a late challenge from Lando Norris, securing P2 for Red Bull Racing. His efforts were recognized by fans, who awarded him 23.5% of the Driver of the Day votes.
This marked the fifth time in 2026 that Verstappen received the fan honour for the most impressive race showing. Other notable vote-getters included Charles Leclerc with 18.3%, Lando Norris at 16.2%, Kimi Antonelli with 9.7%, and Franco Colapinto who earned 7.3% of the votes.
Verstappen’s ability to regain positions and maintain a strong pace after the early penalty was a key factor in his runner-up finish. The final laps saw him narrowly defend his place against Norris, who was pushing hard in a McLaren. Meanwhile, drivers from Ferrari and Alpine also featured prominently in the fan vote, reflecting competitive performances across the field.
The 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid provided a platform for several drivers to showcase resilience and racecraft. Verstappen’s performance, in particular, resonated with fans who appreciated his recovery and consistency throughout the race.
This recognition adds to Verstappen’s strong record in the 2026 season, underlining his continued presence as a leading figure in the championship. The fan vote highlights the impact of his driving beyond just the race result, emphasizing the connection between the driver and the supporters.