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Ten years on: Revisiting Max Verstappen’s shock Japan F1 practice debut
In 2014, a young Max Verstappen made his debut in Formula 1 during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend’s free practice session with Toro Rosso, which marked the beginning of his special relationship with Japan. Verstappen won three world championships powered by Honda and clinched his second drivers’ championship in a rain-affected race at Suzuka in 2022. The story started in 2014 when a 16-year-old Verstappen, timidly standing with hands in his pockets in Austrian attire, was announced as a Toro Rosso driver for 2015 on Red Bull’s Servus TV channel, a move that drew swift criticism. Despite the backlash, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko saw Verstappen’s potential after witnessing his skills at the Norisring, leading to the decision to bring him into the team. Mercedes also showed interest in Verstappen, but Red Bull’s Toro Rosso junior team offered him a direct path to an F1 seat, making it easier for the Verstappen family and their management to choose Red Bull. Verstappen’s intensive preparation included private tests when he was just 16, before he impressed on his debut at Suzuka, showcasing his talent and potential in challenging conditions on the demanding track.
