Verstappen never felt urge to leave Red Bull despite Merc and Ferrari interest; Replaces Kvyat from the Spanish GP
Thursday 19 May 2016 11:31, UK
Max Verstappen admits he was a "bit shocked" after learning of his Red Bull promotion, but isn't feeling the pressure ahead of his Spanish GP debut.
Verstappen has swapped places with Daniil Kvyat after the Russian was unceremoniously dropped back to Toro Rosso after his crashes last weekend in Sochi.
The 18-year-old spent Thursday at Red Bull's Milton Keynes factory and has a week to prepare for the next race in Barcelona, where he will drive the RB12 for the first time.
"Well, of course I was very happy," he said. "A bit shocked as well - I didn't expect it, but yes I'm very happy with the opportunity of course.
"I have to say a big thank you to Red Bull and Dr Helmut Marko and now I just can't wait to jump into the car.
"I wouldn't say there's more pressure to be honest. Of course I'm driving for a top team now, but in the end you always try to do your best which is what I always try to do. For me, I don't feel more pressure."
Verstappen will partner Daniel Ricciardo, who he lives in the same building with in Monaco, for the remainder of the 2016 season, and there are theories that Red Bull have dumped Kvyat just to keep the Dutchman away from rivals.
The youngster is thought to be tied to Red Bull until the end of 2017 but it is an open secret Mercedes and Ferrari are monitoring his progress closely.
Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle felt the timing of the line-up change was a "masterstroke" from Red Bull after Kvyat's error-strewn performance at his home grand prix when he both ended Sebastian Vettel's race and hampered his team's.
"I think it was the perfect chance for Red Bull to move him out the way," Brundle told Sky Sports News HQ. "They want to do something with Verstappen, they have to protect him, keep him in the Red Bull team moving forward.
"They know Mercedes want him, they know Ferrari will want him and other teams too. It's a bit of a masterstroke from Red Bull actually, as brutal as it looks for Kvyat."
Verstappen, meanwhile, said he never felt the urge to move and was always "very happy" at Red Bull.
He added: "To be honest, I was always very happy at Red Bull. I never saw reason to change and of course with this opportunity there is no reason to change so I'm happy to be here.
"It's a great honour and it's a top team and that's where every driver wants to drive I think. I can't wait to get started."
