Max Verstappen says his impressive first season with Toro Rosso "opens a lot of doors" for him in F1.
Having only completed one year of single seater racing in his career, Verstappen was handed a race seat by Toro Rosso and made his grand prix debut at the age of 17. The Dutch driver went on to impress with a number of spectacular performances, securing two fourth places - in Hungary and the United States - as well as earning a reputation for pulling off impressive overtaking moves.
Speaking exclusively to F1i, Verstappen says last year's experience leaves him feeling much more comfortable heading in to 2016.
“Definitely," Verstappen replied when asked if he was less nervous than a year ago. “A first good season opens up a lot of doors as well…”
With neither Red Bull driver currently confirmed beyond the end of this season, Verstappen says it his aim to move up from Toro Rosso in 2017.
“I know what is in my contract, so I’m very happy I can do another year here and then you guys will see what happens next year…
“Of course you want to move up.
“I’m very relaxed about it because I just need to do a good job. Like I said, it’s looking good for the future so that’s always a confidence boost.
“[The target is] don’t make stupid mistakes I would say and be a very regular points scorer, a very consistent driver, and fast. I think that’s what people and teams like to see in general.”
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