Former Manager on Max Verstappen’s F1 Debut: “Many People Were Screaming Bloody Murder”
Follow Us
Max Verstappen became the world champion in Formula One in 2021. He beat Lewis Hamilton on the last lap of the last race to take the championship. Verstappen has always been a special talent and deserved the title to match his skills. But former Toro Rosso manager Graham Watson explains the reaction when the Dutch driver first made his debut in F1.
The Red Bull driver made his debut in 2015 with the Toro Rosso team. Verstappen was just 17 and the youngest driver ever to race in Formula One. Watson mentioned that there was a lot of concern throughout the paddock when Max made his debut.
WATCH STORY: Top 5 wins of Max Verstappen’s F1 career
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Kids would have no business in F1: Watson on Max Verstappen
As reported by Motorsport.nl, Watson stated that age does not matter if you are good enough. He mentioned he knew Verstappen was different when he first saw him drive.
“Many people were screaming bloody murder indeed. Kids would have no business in F1, but the reality is, if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. I have sometimes wondered why young drivers want to go to Formula 1 so quickly.” said Watson on Verstappen’s debut.
Trending
MET Gala 2024: Travis Kelce Left Awestruck as Lewis Hamilton Steals the Show With Black History- Inspired Look On the Red Carpet
May 07, 2024 10:04 AM EDT
After GF Alexandra Saint Mleux Gets Mistaken as Future Wife, Charles Leclerc Debuts His Son Leo at the Miami GP
May 07, 2024 08:19 PM EDT
Adrian Newey Will Join Mercedes With Max Verstappen Than Help Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, Claims F1 Expert
May 08, 2024 05:26 PM EDT
“This Is a Joke Right?”: Rebecca Donaldson and Alexandra Saint Mleux’s Endorsement of F1 Academy Leaves Fans Fuming
May 04, 2024 08:09 PM EDT
Lando Norris’ Rumored GF Magui Caught ”Keeping an Eye” Despite 3000 Miles Separating The Lovebirds
May 05, 2024 01:30 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“But with Max, it was different. I remember well that we tried to have a conversation at the pit wall in Jerez during the 2015 winter test. Max was seventeen but was already surrounded by photographers and journalists.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It was almost impossible to talk together. I said to him: ‘This is what you’re going to experience for the rest of your life, just journalists around you’. And I remember very well that Max reacted with the words: ‘Only if I am good enough and will stay.’” said Watson on his first impression of Max.
The Dutch driver surprised everyone with his pace in his debut season. He quickly moved up the ranks, and in 2016, won his first race with Red Bull.
Max is a fine example of the term, ‘age is just a number’. It just remains to be seen how many more titles he will add to the one he won in 2021.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH: Max Verstappen Displays his Masterclass as a 12 Year Old on Karts