How and when did you receive the message that you will become the next Formula 1 driver for Toro Rosso?
That was last week, when we signed the deal. I couldn't believe it in the beginning, but I'm really really happy at the moment. In the beginning, it happened so fast—in one year, from car racing in Formula 3 only. So at the moment, I think I start to realize a little bit more when you see an F1 car, but I think you completely realize it when you are the first time in an F1 car; then you are, "Okay, this is it."
You are the youngest driver ever competing in Formula 1. What does this mean for you? Do you already feel 'fit for Formula 1'?
Well, of course, I will do a lot of training from now on to be prepared for the big step. And I think the age doesn't really matter.
What are your expectations for your first season 2015 in Formula 1? And what are your long-term expectations for your Formula 1 career?
Well, next year I want to be— of course, you want to be fast. But just try to be very consistent, don't make too many mistakes. I think that's the main goal for next year. And well in the future, of course, I hope to become a world champion, because that's also a dream.
What are the next steps in the near future? How will you prepare for your Formula 1 adventure?
Yeah, a lot of training. I will get a personal trainer from Red Bull, and I think at the moment now in F1, the most important thing is your neck, because you are racing one and a half hours, and you have a lot of horsepower behind, so that will be one of the hardest parts of your body. So I think you have to train a lot on that.
What can you learn from your father as a former Formula 1 driver?
Well, I've learned, already, a lot from him. I think the most I had already—from when I was young until now he teach me so much. But still, for sure, some small things what will happen, he will help me with.
Regarding your home country, the Netherlands—what does it mean for you and the motorsport in your home country?
I think it will be very good for Holland to have a new Dutch F1 driver. And also, I'm the second Verstappen name now. So I think that will be really cool.