Max Verstappen, the four-time defending world champion, emerged victorious in his first race of the 2025 Formula One season at the Japan GP. With this win, Verstappen silenced critics who doubted his ability to maintain his position at the pinnacle of the sport. Despite perceptions of being overly and unnecessarily aggressive by his peers and considered detached by some fans, Verstappen’s talent is undeniable. His remarkable consistency over the last two seasons solidified his reputation as the best driver, demonstrating his prowess even when not equipped with the best car on the circuit.
Verstappen’s dominance is further underscored by his record of four consecutive world titles, a feat shared with only three other drivers and just behind Michael Schumacher’s unparalleled five consecutive wins. His overall record ties him with two other greats of Formula One, surpassing all but a select few in the sport’s history.
Rookie Card Investment Opportunity
The recent buzz around Max Verstappen has not only been about his track accomplishments but also about the rising value of his rookie cards. Notably, Verstappen’s rookie card is a sought-after item from the iconic 2020 Topps Chrome F1 set. A sharp uptick in these cards’ value has been observed since mid-January, as reported by Card Ladder, indicating increased collector interest in memorabilia linked to the reigning champion.
One notable example of this investment potential lies in Verstappen’s base image in PSA 10 condition, last sold for $177.50, with a population of 1,352. Interestingly, his PSA 9 refractor card, with a relatively scarce population of 215, recently fetched $167.50. Meanwhile, the PSA 10 refractor, with a combined population of 473, sold for a high of $512, illustrating the significant investment value in rarer versions.
A particularly alluring option for collectors is Verstappen’s image variation cards. His Sapphire image variation in PSA 10 condition sells for approximately $600, supported by its low population of 181, while the PSA 9 variant of the same card last sold for $271.40 with a population of 117. Even more scarce is Verstappen’s base image variation. The PSA 10 of this version commands a price exceeding $4,000, reflecting its exceptional rarity and desirability among enthusiasts.
If Verstappen continues on this trajectory and wins a fifth consecutive world title, he would tie Schumacher for the most consecutive titles and advance to second place all-time with Juan Manuel Fangio for most world titles, behind Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. This potential historical achievement enhances the allure of investing in Verstappen’s rookie cards, with investors speculating on further increases in their value.
Max Verstappen’s ongoing success and the rising value of his rookie cards create a compelling narrative for collectors looking to invest in the world of Formula One memorabilia. As Verstappen continues to dominate on the track, the market for his collectibles is expected to remain robust, offering lucrative opportunities for those wise enough to invest in the career of this exceptional driver.
