During the summer of 2014, Red Bull Racing’s junior program was in search of a new talent to follow in the footsteps of Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo.

The Australian driver had stepped up to the main team that season, where he outshone a struggling Vettel, ultimately prompting the reigning champion to leave for Ferrari in 2015.

This situation triggered a reshuffle within Red Bull, promoting Daniil Kvyat to partner with Ricciardo, leaving a spot open in Torro Rosso.

The team opted to put young Max Verstappen, who had celebrated his 17th birthday only a few days before on the 30th of September, in their seat for the Japanese Grand Prix first free practice, marking the F1 debut of the youngest driver in the sport’s history.

During that practice, Verstappen managed to run 22 laps, but with 6 minutes left to the end of the session, his car started smoking, forcing an early end to his F1 debut.

The young Dutchman also took to the track during practice sessions in the United States and Brazil. In those outings, he showcased his talent, prompting Red Bull to award him the 2015 Toro Rosso seat, etching his name in F1 history by being the youngest driver to compete in a race.

Over the course of his extensive career, which includes 203 race starts, Max Verstappen has set numerous records and accomplished remarkable feats, including three world champion titles, 61 race wins, and 109 podium finishes.