It is the overtaking manoeuvres that comfortably marks out Max Verstappen as the Formula 1 rookie of the season.
The list is long and adventurous: the manner in which he cut around Daniel Ricciardo in Malayasia, the move round the outside of fellow rookie Felipe Nasr at Spa and any number of passes at the last race in Brazil.
– Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Circuit guide infographic
So impressive has the Dutchman been that it’s hard to believe at the start of the season as a 17-year-old – now 18 – he was not even eligible to drive on roads in his native Holland, and understandably questions were asked of Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost of the sensibilities of risking someone so young in the cockpit.
Now the teenager lies 12th in the drivers’ standings and it is not inconceivable he could end his debut year in the top 10 – the current incumbent in 10th, Nico Hulkenberg, has 52 points to Verstappen’s 49.
Verstappen has been the undeniable find of 2015 to the extent that some were surprised Red Bull did not take a chance on him for next season particularly with Ferrari and Mercedes reportedly sniffing around.
But the Dutchman is not the only rookie to have raised eyebrows this season. One only needs to look the other side of the Toro Rosso team and towards Carlos Sainz Jr to see that. In terms of qualifying, Verstappen only leads that particular duel 10-9 while it’s worth noting that the Spaniard has had seven race retirements to Verstappen’s four, meaning the 31-point gap between the pair of them is not entirely indicative of form this season. And in the races in which Sainz Jr has retired his teammate has picked up 22 points in contrast to Sainz Jr clocking three points when Verstappen’s car has been stricken.
Among the stand-outs have been points in his first grand prix in Australia not to mention a seventh place at the United States Grand Prix, which could have been infinitely better had he not had to start from the pit lane.
And what of the other rookies in 2015? There were question marks about who was actually going to drive for Sauber at the season ope-ner so when Nasr finished fifth on his debut there were more than just a few eyebrows raised.
And Verstappen’s rookie efforts have slightly overshadowed Nasr’s achievements – he was also sixth in Russia – with the Brazilian just a place behind in the championship race. Of the other newcomers on the grid – all at the back with Manor Marussia – it is hard to judge. Will Stevens, essentially a rookie despite driving at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been repeatedly outdriven by teammate Roberto Merhi and Alexander Rossi, who has replaced Merhi for the latter part of the season.
