Verstappen keen to make up for 2015 Oz retirement

Max Verstappen says he “can’t wait” to race again in Melbourne, with the Toro Rosso driver keen to erase the memory of the retirement he suffered on his unprecedented debut last year.

The Dutchman made history at the 2015 Australian Grand Prix when he became the youngest ever driver to compete in Formula One at the tender age of 17. Verstappen was even on course to score points in his maiden race when an engine issue curtailed his effort.

“Last year’ Australian GP was a very special weekend for me,” he remembers. “I was so excited to be taking part in my first ever Formula One grand prix!”

“To be racing in the points-paying positions in your first F1 race and have to retire is something hard to experience! But all in all it’s a fun and enjoyable track and I just can’t wait to go back.”

Also making his F1 debut Down Under 12 months ago, Toro Rosso team-mate Carlos Sainz immediately made an impression when he reached Q3 in qualifying and followed it up with a ninth-place finish in the grand prix. The Spaniard is equally excited to return to Albert Park Circuit this weekend.

“I have very good memories from Australia, probably some of the best of 2015, as I ended P8 in my first ever qualifying session and then went on to score points in my debut race,” the Spaniard said.

“Preparing for this race again definitely puts a smile on my face! I discovered this track for the first time last year and I can say I really enjoyed it.

“I definitely had good fun out there in 2015 and I hope to say the same this time.”

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