Mercurial rise led to 'F2' mistakes for Verstappen in F1

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Max Verstappen says his rapid promotion to F1 after just a single year of racing led to mistakes that others made earlier in their career.

A successful career in karting, which he started at just five-years-old, and good mentoring by his father encouraged Verstappen to switch to cars in 2014.

With the support of Red Bull, the Dutchman finished third in the European Formula 3 Championship, winning ten races, a track record that encouraged Red Bull Motorsport boss Helmut Marko to include the young charger in Toro Rosso's F1 line-up for 2015.

At just 17, Verstappen was promoted to the big time, and then enjoyed further advancement in 2016 when he stepped up to Red Bull, winning at the outset in Barcelona and becoming the sport's youngest ever Grand Prix winner.

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However, Verstappen's formative years in F1 were marked by a few high-profile mistakes. But after a troubled start to his season in 2018, the 21-year-old has reined in his aggression and undoubtedly gained in maturity and consistency.

"Last year, from the second half of the season it was good," Verstappen.

"It can always be better. Over the years, you learn how to be better.

"Through experience, from the races I’ve done, I’m definitely not a rookie now.

"I’ve done 90-plus starts, so of course, I did only one year in F3 and getting into F1 is a big jump, so I guess you made a few mistakes which maybe others have made in F2."

A seven-time Grand Prix winner, Verstappen continues to grow, which is perhaps a frightening fact to grasp for his rivals.

"I’m still getting better," he added. "I’m only 21.

"[I have better] consistency, knowing when to peak, when not to, when to take a risk, when not to. Trying to bring a result back and score the points."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.