MAX VERSTAPPEN F1 WORLD CHAMPION 2021
Predicted in 2017, came true: Max Verstappen F1 world champion within 5 years.
Key figures
WHAT I PREDICTED: November 2017, Exact Live in Utrecht, headline keynote for 7,500 people plus 2 Tech Talks interviewing Max Verstappen: Max Verstappen becomes F1 world champion within 5 years
WHAT HAPPENED: first title 12 December 2021 in Abu Dhabi with Red Bull Racing, 4 years later; 4 titles in a row, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; Lando Norris beat him to the 2025 title by 2 points
STILL TO COME: 5 titles before 2030, 4 of 5 done
Max Verstappen was a 20-year-old Red Bull Racing driver with 3 Grand Prix wins when I put him on the record.
November 2017, Exact Live in Utrecht. Exact invited me to headline its tech and business event: the keynote on the main stage for 7,500 people, plus 2 Tech Talks where I interviewed Max Verstappen on AI, drones, 3D printing and self-driving cars.
My prediction on that stage: in 5 years, Max Verstappen is the new F1 world champion. My next prediction: he wins the world championship 5 times before 2030.
12 December 2021, Abu Dhabi: F1 world champion with Red Bull Racing. 4 years, not 5.
Then 2022, 2023 and 2024. 4 titles in a row. In 2025 Lando Norris beat him by 2 points.
Still open: title number 5 before 2030. 4 of 5 done, with 2027, 2028 and 2029 to go.
