Max Verstappen warns he can develop into an even better F1 driver

Max Verstappen feels he has improved in every area as a driver during his maiden F1 campaign, but insists there is still a lot more to come.

The Toro Rosso driver was fast-tracked to F1, leaping from karting to F3, bypassing the more traditional Formula Ford or Formula Renault 2.0 categories, and from there to Toro Rosso after just one season in single-seaters.

With limited time to hone his race craft, the performances of F1's youngest ever driver have been all the more remarkable. Verstappen has scored 29 points more than team-mate Carlos Sainz, despite the Spaniard having five years in junior formula before his F1 debut.

"I think in every area I have improved. Especially after just one season in the junior categories when you make the jump to F1, I think the raw speed is there, but you just need to develop in all the other areas," Verstappen said ahead of the Brazilian GP.

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"I think I coped with that quite well and I am pretty with how the whole season went in general.

"I improved in everything, qualifying in particular, which is going well now, but all the areas, especially with the help of the team, it is going much better. I expected it to be like that because I am still very young and have a lot to learn."

Asked what had made the difference in qualifying he added: "Experience. Understanding the tyres a bit more."

Verstappen's performances in 2015 has meant he has been linked with a graduation to the senior Red Bull team for next year, while he is also thought to be at the centre of a bidding war between Ferrari and Mercedes for his services.

"I am never in a rush [to join a top team], but when you have two fourth places you are very close to the podium and you want to be on it," he said.

"But I still have a lot to learn and I am pretty happy where I am right now. Hopefully in a couple of years I can fight for victory."

Certainly Verstappen seems comfortable in his current surroundings, which has helped him develop in his rookie campaign.  

"The strong point is the atmosphere in the team," he said. "Maybe it is an Italian thing, it is like a big family and when a driver feels well in a team the performance goes better."

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