Max Verstappen says he is willing to be patient to impress at Toro Rosso after such a swift rise through the motorsport ranks.
2014 was Verstappen's first season racing single seaters as he stepped up from karts to European F3. Verstappen impressed so much in his rookie season that Red Bull's Helmut Marko offered him a Toro Rosso race seat after a run of six consecutive victories in the middle of the season.
Now preparing for his grand prix debut in Melbourne next weekend, Verstappen told F1i during an exclusive interview he has set himself relatively modest goals for the next 12 months as he seeks to establish himself in the sport.
“Beating my team-mate, that’s number one, and trying to score a lot of points," Verstappen said. "Hopefully top five in the constructors’ championship.
“I don’t need to go to Red Bull in one year. When I feel ready then it’s possible to make the step. It shouldn't be too quick. I’m ready to build it up and go there at the right time.”
Max Verstappen: Ready to slow down at 17
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