Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsToro Rosso

Verstappen aiming for a podium in 2016

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Toro Rosso junior Max Verstappen, who concluded one of the most impressive rookie years in Formula 1, stated that his ambition in 2016 is to reach the podium and score as many points as possible.

Young Max hopes Toro Rosso's switch from Renault to Ferrari power will help him fulfill his targets, while his massive talent coupled with a year of experience under his belt should indeed elevate the Dutchman's performance level another notch.

"Yeah, 100 points. You have to aim high, right?" Verstappen told Dutch TV channel NOS.

Should he succeed in clinching a podium finish next season, Verstappen would become by far the youngest driver in the history of F1 to achieve such a feat.

Current record holder Sebastian Vettel was 21 when he scored his first podium finish, which also happened to be his maiden Grand Prix victory, In Italy in 2008.

"For third place you would need a good engine," Verstappen concluded. "First or second place I think is too much for now -- you also have to be realistic."

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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.