GPI 2016 Spanish Grand Prix Edition | Page 34

TALKING POINT ENTER MAX Max Verstappen’s sensational first Formula One victory, at just 18 years of age, had former champions and grandees of the sport casting around for superlatives at the Spanish Grand Prix. Already seen as the next big star, the Dutch teenager made the hype seem almost under-stated with a composure that belied his years as he became F1’s youngest ever winner. “It’s been an unbelievable performance, from the moment Max stepped into the car until the chequered flag, he’s been exemplary. He’s not put a wheel wrong,” said Red Bull boss Christian Horner. Horner hailed a Formula One fairytale, with Verstappen promoted from the junior Toro Rosso team little more than a week earlier in place of Russian Daniil Kvyat. He also saw signs of a rare but familiar talent. “It’s quite uncanny really,” said Horner. “There’s an awful lot of similarities from (Vettel) joined the team. The mec me that even the way he gets in the same side, the way he pulls in the chassis.” “But he’s his own man as together young guy. You’d neve He’s the first driver I’ve had tha his father.” Vettel, winner of four titles in before joining Ferrari, won his fi Toro Rosso before moving to Re Ferrari’s race runner-up Kim Verstappen’s age, recalled com youngster’s father Jos in the ear Asked where he was when first race, Verstappen said he ha probably in kindergarten.