Verstappen reveals 'shock' of first F1 experience

Max Verstappen has opened up on the sense of shock he felt when he made his first F1 appearance. 

The Dutchman made his F1 debut in 2015 with Toro Rosso after just a single year of racing in junior formulae.

However, he was handed three free practice outings in 2014 to prepare for his rookie season - the first of which took place around the Suzuka Circuit in Japan.

Verstappen has since fashioned himself as one of the most successful drivers in the sport's history with three world titles and 61 race wins.

The 27-year-old is now preparing for next weekend's United States Grand Prix, in which he will be hoping to stem the flow of momentum towards Lando Norris in the F1 drivers' title race, with Norris now just 52 points behind.

When asked by the Pirelli podcast Box Box Box if he misses the speed during long F1 breaks, Verstappen replied: “Not really - maybe seven or eight years ago, a little bit more now, I think slowly, you really want to take your rest.

“You don't think about racing too much, and you take your time off.”

Verstappen 'couldn't keep up' with F1 speed

Having built up a wealth of F1 experience across the last 10 years, Verstappen has little issue getting up to speed - however, that wasn't the case during his early years. 

“When you jump back in the F1 car, you know that it's going to be quick, the acceleration and everything,” Verstappen added.

“You’re kind of prepared for it. But I remember, of course, the very first time that I jumped in an F1 car, it was almost like I couldn't keep up with the speed, because I've never experienced something like that.

“It's like in a road car, when you go from first to second, that kind of acceleration. 

“It's non-stop in an F1 car initially, and then your body gets used to it more and more. But in the beginning, it was quite a shock.”