The controversy about Verstappen’s age and inexperience even elicited a response from the governing FIA, who now intend to set a minimum age of 18 for new drivers from 2016 and a range of other tougher qualifying conditions for a Super License.
Speaking to Italy’s Autosprint, even Verstappen himself admitted he was surprised by just how quickly he graduated from karts in 2013 to the F1 paddock less than a year later.
“Last winter,” he admitted, “the plan was to stay for two years in Formula Three and then decide what to do.
“Then I started getting very good results immediately, and from there many things happened very quickly,” said Verstappen. “I definitely didn’t expect it to happen as it did. At first I wondered if I have what it takes to do it. I analyzed it and realized that I did.”
Nevertheless, he says he understands the controversy surrounding his meteoric rise and expects it to continue for some time yet.
“Honestly, I don’t have any problem with what has been said,” Verstappen explained, “and those sorts of things will probably continue for a while still. So far I’ve had the chance to get on track in Formula One for three free practice sessions and I have not got involved in accidents, unlike some other drivers.”
“I’m adapting gradually, without rushing, but the laptimes I have done have already been positive,” said Verstappen.
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