Max Verstappen made his Formula 1 debut today exactly seven years ago, with the Dutchman making his debut at the Australian Grand Prix at the age of 17 years and 166 days.
Today, Verstappen is one of the biggest names in Formula 1. The Red Bull Racing driver is currently preparing for his first season as world champion. It was once discovered in two categories below. In 2014, Verstappen led the stars from Heaven on a wet noirsring in Germany. He has won all three Formula 3 races there. That weekend, several famous Formula 1 teams were in attendance. Red Bull Racing team consultant Helmut Marko, among others, was on site to catch a glimpse of the 16-year-old Dutchman he had heard so much about.
First appearance in Formula 1
Verstappen did not disappoint and from that day Marko was sure: this boy should come to us. A few months later, it was announced that 17-year-old Verstappen would make his Formula 1 debut in Japan. At Suzuka, he was allowed to take care of free practice on behalf of Toro Rosso, now AlphaTauri. I liked it there too.
The first official appearance of the race
The following year, on March 15, 2015, he made his debut as a full-time driver in Formula 1. Verstappen was still only 17 years old, not yet allowed to drive on public roads and had only a few kilometers of experience at the highest level. So his arrival caused quite a stir in the ring. It should be clear by now that it was the right move. See a series of photos of Verstappen’s very young debut below.
Verstappen progresses: From ‘ultra-aggressive’ small dog to Formula 1 world championRead more
