Revisiting Max Verstappen’s shock Japan F1 practice debut

In 2014, a fresh-faced Max Verstappen logged his first mileage on a grand prix weekend in free practice for Formula 1’s Japanese Grand Prix. His FP1 debut with Toro Rosso foreshadowed the special relationship Verstappen would go on to build with Japan.

Not only did the three-time world champion win those titles powered by Japanese brand Honda, but he also won his second drivers’ championship at Suzuka in 2022, amid confusion over the number of points awarded in the rain-affected race.

But the story really started in August 2014, when a timid 16-year-old Verstappen – hands in his pockets, somewhat awkwardly dressed in Austrian attire – was announced on Red Bull’s Servus TV channel as a Toro Rosso driver for 2015.

The bombshell move prompted swift criticism from analysts and competitors up and down the paddock.

“We were declared completely crazy by just about everyone and had all sorts of things thrown at us,” Red Bull advisor Marko told Motorsport.com/Autosport. “The FIA was even stupid enough to change the whole licensing system so that no one could debut so young again.”

For Marko, however, after the 2014 Formula 3 season and more specifically after the Norisring weekend, it was clear that Verstappen was worth the risk.

The Austrian was one of those who witnessed Verstappen’s exploits at close quarters on a soaked German street circuit and immediately knew he needed to secure the Dutchman’s services at all costs.

“After what I saw at the Norisring, I didn’t think age was relevant at all. Normally I talk to a young driver for 20-30 minutes to get a good idea of his personality and the structure around him. But with Max I spent an hour and a half in Graz. My conclusion from that conversation was: there is a very young body there, but someone who is mentally at least three to five years more mature.”

It was also a conclusion drawn by Mercedes’ Toto Wolff. Both brands were angling for Verstappen’s services, but Mercedes was unable to guarantee Verstappen a direct step up to an F1 seat, which Red Bull could thanks to its Toro Rosso junior team.

It made the choice easier for the trinity that Verstappen, father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen formed at the time. Pen was put to paper, the presentation planned, while Verstappen’s intensive preparation programme kicked off with private tests at Rockingham and Adria Raceway, when Verstappen was still just 16.

Away from the…