Verstappen was quick to adjust to the Renault-powered Red Bull RB12, lapping within two-tenths of a second of Ricciardo in both FP1 and FP2. Just as his appointment at Toro Rosso had surprised the F1 community, there was some uncertainty over Verstappen's readiness to fight at the front at just 18 years old.

Red Bull confirmed the switch four days after the Russian Grand Prix, placing Verstappen alongside Daniel Ricciardo from the Spanish Grand Prix. Two collisions with Vettel on the opening lap left Kvyat facing the ire of the Ferrari driver, and made up the minds of Red Bull's management: it was time to give Verstappen a shot. While he scored a podium in China after his 'torpedo' moment with Vettel at the start, Kvyat fell apart two weeks later in Sochi. If Red Bull needed an excuse to make the switch, then Kvyat gave it one in the early part of the season. The Russian said publicly he felt relaxed about his future despite the fire appearing to be lit under him, but Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko already had an eye on getting Verstappen into the senior team sooner rather than later. The hype surrounding Verstappen showed few signs of abating heading into 2016, leading to pressure being placed on the incumbent of the second Red Bull, Daniil Kvyat.

While concerns over his readiness prompted the FIA to change its super licence rules to ensure drivers were at least 18 years old - which unofficially became known as the Verstappen rule - before joining the F1 grid, the Dutchman did an impressive job through his rookie campaign and twice finished fourth, at Budapest and Austin.

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