Max hails "amazing opportunity"posted in F105 | 05 | 2016

DUTCHMAN MAX VERSTAPPEN has hailed his sudden promotion to Red Bull Racing as "an amazing opportunity”. The promotion comes after just 23 races in Formula 1.

Verstappen has swapped seats with Daniil Kvyat, with the Russian returning to Toro Rosso "to regain his form and show his potential" according to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

Verstappen will partner Aussie Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull from the Spanish GP onwards, with Horner describing his career at Toro Rosso as "impressive".

"The next step in my relatively short career so far, is an amazing opportunity,” Verstappen said. “I really want to thank Red Bull and Dr. Helmut Marko for the confidence they have in me.

Related: Verstappen gets Red Bull wings

"I'll have the chance to learn a lot from the top team that is Red Bull Racing. I'm also looking forward to work with an experienced and proven team mate like Daniel Ricciardo.

"I can't thank all the people at Scuderia Toro Rosso enough for all their hard work. Everyone back at the factory in Faenza, and (team principal])Franz Tost in particular, have made an amazing contribution to get me this far in my career.

"We've had an amazing time together."

Looking ahead to his debut with RBR, Verstappen added: "Together with Red Bull Racing we'll do everything to prepare me as best as possible for my first laps in the RB12, next week in Barcelona.

"I cannot wait for that special moment to happen."

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Jim McGill