Max Verstappen, at age 17, pulled off a great move on Daniel Ricciardo back in 2015. Being the youngest driver to get a win on his debut with Red Bull at Barcelona in 2016 is a story that leaves many fans in awe. But before he did that, he had to do a full season with Red Bull’s sister team, Toro Rosso.

But even then Verstappen impressed many through his debut season. And the proof of his talent came in the second race of the season in 2015 at Malaysia’s Sepang circuit. 

Red Bull’s woes turn into Max Verstappen’s fortunes in the race

The unpredictability of Malaysia’s weather had thrown in some interesting results during qualifying. The clouds had built before Q3 and hence the session got delayed. It got underway after a half an hour delay and Max was already impressing in the wet conditions. Qualifying behind the Red Bulls in the sixth, there was all to play for in the race.

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It was a decent getaway for the Dutchman at the start. However, a scrap between the two Red Bulls gave him the impetus he needed in order to make up a place or two going into Turn 1. The race saw the deployment of a Safety Car due to Marcus Ericsson spinning into Turn 1. 

As racing resumed, the Red Bulls reported problems with their cars. Apparently, it seemed that they had brake issues and brake dust could be seen exiting the ducts when the car approached a major braking point. However, on lap 23, Verstappen did a stunning move. He overtook Daniel Ricciardo around the outside going into Turn 1. Max then went to finish in P7 as the chequered flag fell. 

But he was least bothered by the feat achieved. He said after the race, “Ah, for me, being the youngest doesn’t really matter. I’m just really happy to have scored points. I’m happy to be seventh, and also happy to be in front of the Red Bulls. I think we did a great job as a team today.”

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“We had a good race with Red Bull Racing and I had a good fight with Daniel at one point for position. We were able to finish ahead of them, which is a big achievement. I was smiling, for sure.”

Max Verstappen caused a frenzy back in 2014

Back in 2014, Max Verstappen had sent the motorsport world into a frenzy when he signed for Toro Rosso, just aged 16. Stepping up from Formula 3 European Championship and replacing Jean-Eric Vergne, many believed he was too young to be driving an F1 car.

Many then questioned if that was the right move. “I think the biggest step I had was karting to F3. I think F3 to F1 will be a smaller step,” Verstappen told BBC Radio 5 live back then.

Max proved all the critics and has won 24 races to date with a world championship in hand.