Just ten days after Max Verstappen was promoted to Red Bull from sister team Toro Rosso, the 18-year-old raced to an unlikely victory at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg initially stole the headlines after a second-corner collision left the two drivers out of the race — the first time in history Mercedes has lost both its cars on the first lap.
But the incident should take nothing away from the teenager, who sped to the front alongside Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo after the safety car had been deployed.
Verstappen showed maturity beyond his years, as he lead for the final 21 laps of the race on deteriorating tires and with far more experienced drivers on his tail.
“It feels amazing,” the teenager said on the podium. “I cant believe it.
“It was a great race — I have to say thank you to the team for giving me such a great car. To win straight away in the first race is a great feeling.
When asked if he thought his father, Jos, a former Formula One driver himself, would be proud, Verstappen replied: “I think so. From a very young age my dad helped me a lot and to achieve this amazing.”