Franz Tost recalls 16-year-old Max Verstappen’s dominant Formula 3 race, claims ‘other drivers should’ve returned their licenses’

Franz Tost remembered Max Verstappen's terrific performance as a 16-year-old in Formula 3.

Franz Tost recalls 16-year-old Max Verstappen’s dominant Formula 3 race, claims ‘other drivers should’ve returned their licenses’

Max Verstappen and Franz Tost (Via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen is an all-time great in the world of motorsport. The Dutch driver has managed to achieve significant success in Formula 1 at a young age. Certainly, the 26-year-old had showcased his talent in junior categories before making it to F1. Now, former AlphaTauri boss Franz Tost has revealed his thoughts when he saw Verstappen’s impressive performance in Formula 3.

Tost recalled Max Verstappen’s Formula 3 campaign when the Dutch driver was only 16 years old. The 67-year-old was on the lookout for young talent that could be signed for the Red Bull junior team, Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri). Franz Tost claimed that the Dutchman was almost two seconds faster than all his rivals in wet conditions at the Norisring circuit in Germany.

I remember Max at the Norisring [circuit in Germany] at 16 years old. It was wet and he was one and a half to two seconds faster than anyone else.
Franz Tost told BBC

The former AlphaTauri boss was convinced that Verstappen was a class apart from his competition. Tost claimed that all other drivers should’ve simply handed back their racing licenses. As the only real contender on the track was Max Verstappen. Certainly, the Dutch driver lived up to the expectations of the 67-year-old.

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I said all other drivers should give back their licences, the only driver in this field is Max Verstappen.

Franz Tost claims Max Verstappen was ready for F1 within his first lap

Verstappen was signed by Red Bull to race for Toro Rosso in 2015. The Dutch driver made his Formula 1 debut at the age of 17. Tost pointed out that rookie drivers usually drive the car at around 100mph to get used to the machinery during pre-season tests. However, Verstappen was ready from the get-go.

From the first lap onwards he was familiar with everything.
Max Verstappen, 2023 British GP (image via F1)
Max Verstappen, 2023 British GP (image via F1)

The entire racing world was shocked to see the faith Red Bull placed in Max Verstappen. However, the Dutch driver did not disappoint with an impressive first season at the pinnacle of motorsport. Moreover, Verstappen would be promoted to Red Bull Racing after just four rounds in 2016 and would win his first race for the team at the 2016 Spanish GP. The rest is history.

Max Verstappen undoubtedly is one of the best drivers to have ever raced in Formula 1. The three-time world champion has showcased his brilliance, particularly during his historic 2023 title campaign. However, the Dutchman remains motivated to achieve further success at the pinnacle of motorsport in the coming years.

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