Max Verstappen reflects on the early days of his Formula 1 career. The Dutchman made his debut at Red Bull at the age of eighteen and was thrilled that advisor Helmut Marko dared to take the risk. Verstappen also reveals which of his three titles was the most emotionally significant for him.
Max Verstappen has already had an impressive Formula 1 career, which began with Red Bull’s daring decision to place the young driver in their car early on. The Limburger immediately silenced his critics by winning his debut race with the team.
“Of course, some people were still wondering if (the promotion from Toro Rosso to Red Bull) was the right move. Fortunately, that weekend went very well, so I was very happy with that,” Verstappen says in the Talking Bull podcast. “I think Helmut (Marko) was also very happy with his decision to promote me at that time.”
Marko’s Decision to Choose Verstappen Leads to Three Titles
Marko’s decision to opt for Verstappen ultimately resulted in three titles. For the Dutchman himself, the first world title was the most charged. “The first title together was very emotional after such a year (2021), which was very difficult and heavy for everyone,” he said. “I will never forget those moments. The general relationship I have with the team, it really feels like a second family. I can really be myself, which is also very important.”
‘A Little Older and Hopefully Wiser’
Since his first world title in 2021, Verstappen has won two more titles and forty victories. Winning races feels a bit different for the Limburger these days. “I have grown up. I was eighteen when I joined Red Bull Racing, so I am a little older and hopefully a little wiser.”
Verstappen set a number of records with his Red Bull debut, including that of youngest Formula 1 race winner ever, but the Dutchman himself doesn’t care much about that. “Honestly, I don’t care about the records. When I’m sitting on the beach and drinking a gin and tonic, I don’t care about that, so that’s fine!”
