Verstappen unfazed ahead of historic F1 debut

Toro Rosso rookie Max Verstappen plans to treat this weekend's Australian Grand Prix  “just like every other race I have driven before”.

The 17-year-old is set to make history in Australia by becoming the youngest driver ever to start an F1 race. The record currently belongs to Spain’s Jaime Alguersuari who took part in the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix aged 19 years and 125 days, already at Toro Rosso.

Verstappen only started racing single-seaters last year when he entered FIA European Formula 3 with Van Amersfoort Racing and immediately became a hot commodity by showing blistering speed and stunning racecraft.

With several F1 outfits keen to enroll the Dutch rookie sensation in their young drivers’ programmes, Red Bull eventually outbargained its rivals and confirmed Verstappen at Toro Rosso merely one week after signing the teen phenom. Verstappen’s maiden F1 outing with the Faenza-based team came at the daunting Suzuka circuit where he subbed for then regular driver Jean-Eric Vergne in the first free practice session.

Having enjoyed three productive pre-season tests, the Dutchman feels ready to take on the Melbourne challenge.

“I’m looking forward to taking part in my first race in F1," said Verstappen. “At the moment, I’m not too sure how I will feel, but when the lights go on I will definitely be very excited and when they go off, then it will be just like every other race I have driven before.”

Toro Rosso will field an all-rookie line-up this year as Verstappen partners reigning Formula Renault 3.5 champion Carlos Sainz Jr.

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