Three-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen spoke about the shock he experienced when he made his first appearance in F1. His official debut was in 2015 when, after just one year in today’s F3, he joined Toro Rosso alongside Carlos Sainz. However, in 2014, he was granted three practice sessions to prepare for his rookie season, the first of which took place at the Suzuka circuit.
Since then, the Dutchman has established himself as one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport, with three world titles and 61 race wins. The native of Hasselt is now preparing to secure his fourth consecutive title, with a strong challenge from McLaren and Lando Norris, who is just 52 points behind.
When asked on the *Pirelli Box Box Box* podcast if he misses the speed during the long F1 breaks, Max Verstappen replied: “Not really, maybe seven or eight years ago. Now, I slowly think more and more about resting,” the Dutchman said. “You don’t think too much about racing, and you take your time off.”
Having accumulated vast experience in F1 over the last 10 years, Max Verstappen has no trouble readjusting to the speed, but it wasn’t always that way, especially in his early years. “When you get back in the F1 car, you know it’s going to be fast, the acceleration and everything else,” the Red Bull driver added.
“You’re somewhat prepared for that. But I remember, of course, the first time I got into an F1 car, it was almost like I couldn’t keep up with the speed, because I had never experienced anything like it.” – he pointed out. – “It’s like in a road car, when you shift from first to second, that kind of acceleration. Initially, you feel it nonstop in an F1 car, and then your body gets more and more used to it. But at first, it was a real shock.”
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