Max Verstappen once proved Mika Hakkinen wrong after Japanese Grand Prix ‘risk’ assessment

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It has been nearly 11 years since Max Verstappen made his Formula 1 debut at the Japanese Grand Prix with Toro Rosso.

Looking back, it’s crazy that a 17-year-old drove and showed competitively at a track like Suzuka on his debut, while trying to impress the Red Bull hierarchy.

Fast forward over a decade and Verstappen has won four consecutive drivers’ championships. The decision to throw him in at the deep end at the Japanese Grand Prix has been justified.

His bid for a fifth consecutive crown is not going too well so far this season. Verstappen has serious ‘doubts’ at Red Bull over their ability to develop the car.

Red Bull must be careful with Verstappen’s camp, after ignoring their their advice on three driver decisions. It could be damaging to relations.

READ MORE: Helmut Marko clear one thing is ‘out of the question’ amid Mercedes and Aston Martin’s Max Verstappen interest

Max Verstappen proved Mika Hakkinen wrong after Japanese Grand Prix ‘risk’ comment

Although his Formula 1 debut ended abruptly due to engine failure, Verstappen put in a good performance.

He finished 12th during the first practice session of four he was to experience at the end of the 2014 season.

Mika Hakkinen disagreed with the decision to promote him so soon, telling BBC Sport that there was some risk involved.

“It’s too young because in F1, the risk is high,” he said. “In F1 you don’t go to learn, you have to be ready. F1 doesn’t allow you to do too much learning.”

Returning to the same track just one year later, he would remind everyone of his talents, going from 18th on the grid to ninth in the race in 2015.

He had proven Hakkinen wrong and shown that it was absolutely the right decision to promote him so soon.

READ MORE: Bernie Ecclestone predicts Max Verstappen to replace ‘brilliant’ F1 driver next season if he leaves Red Bull

Could Max Verstappen leave Red Bull ahead of the 2026 F1 season?

Adrian Newey leaving Red Bull last season really appears to have been the catalyst for a downturn in their fortunes.

Verstappen could ditch Red Bull for Mercedes if he isn’t convinced in their own powertrain and car concept for the 2026 F1 regulations.

There isn’t a single team up and down the grid that wouldn’t like to have him in their lineup, considering just how quick he is.

It’s impossible to predict who will have a quick car from next year, given that the incoming changes are so extreme.

It will all boil down to just how the rest of the current campaign goes, and whether Red Bull can offer a solid plan moving forward.