How often does a young rookie have a lasting impact on any sport? Rookie drivers in F1 have always had the hype around their F1 debut. Yet there are a few exceptional ones who may also attract controversy. And when a Dutch prodigy named Max Verstappen entered the sport, that’s what happened.

Straight from the European Formula 3 series, Max Verstappen entered F1, the pinnacle of motorsport. He was part of the Red Bull Junior program, and at the age of 17, he got a full-time drive for the junior team, Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) in 2015. Many considered Verstappen as “too young” and inexperienced to get to F1.

However, the Dutchman was allowed to compete as there was no minimum age limit for F1 drivers when he debuted. To resolve the matter, the FIA had to force the issue to bring about such a rule later on.

As per a 2021 Red Bull podcast, Max put forth his views on the FIA rule, which many called the “Verstappen” rule. He said, “And then it’s quite funny when you think about after 2015, they [FIA] did change the rules, that you have to be at least 18 [years old] to start your first race in Formula 1.”

He chuckled, saying, “I think that’s the best achievement.”

Former Red Bull driver David Coulthard supported Max’s entry to F1. He said, “The sport has shown many times that age is no boundary to delivering [results] if you got the talent and you got the work ethic.”

Read More: 17-Year-Old Max Verstappen’s Grand Entry Was Harshly Tagged “The Worst Thing Ever For F1”

Despite all controversies, Verstappen proved his worthiness and talent and delivered the expected results. With the 18 years age limit, Verstappen holds, and will always hold the record of being the youngest F1 driver forever (17 years, 5 months, 15 days).

Max Verstappen – Defying the Odds at Toro Rosso

In arguably one of the slower cars on the grid, Max Verstappen held his own in his rookie year. Despite having multiple DNFs in the initial half of the season, Max put some great results on board.

The Dutchman put his car in P6 in qualifying under changeable conditions in Malaysia. And to reiterate, this was the 2nd Grand Prix weekend of his career. Max went on to score his first points in F1 on race day, finishing 7th.

Post-Sepang, Max had to wait to score more points until Austria, where he finished P8. And then he achieved his best result of the season in Hungary. Verstappen starting P9 in Budapest, finished 4th and collected 12 points in a frantic race.

He once again repeated his feat of a top-4 finish in the United States. He dragged his Toro Rosso into the points consistently in the 2nd half of the season. While his teammate Carlos Sainz ended the season with just 18 points, Verstappen scored 49.

Watch This Story: Controversial moments of the US GP feat. Verstappen’s Podium controversy

Considering the pace of the car, Verstappen put on a great audition for his future.

Eventually, the young man got the call-up to the senior team Red Bull in 2016. And then came a historic debut race win in Spain with 34 more to follow, encompassed with 2 world championships. Way to prove your mettle, Max!