Vergne learned of 2015 axe six days late
Jean-Eric Vergne didn't know he was losing his ride until six days after Verstappen knew he was taking it.
Aug.23 (GMM) Max Verstappen learned of his 2015 debut long before Jean-Eric Vergne learned of his impending ousting, it has emerged.
Before his Toro Rosso race seat was announced, 16-year-old Verstappen was revealed by Red Bull as the latest member of its junior driver programme on August 12.
"Part of the signing of the contract," the Dutchman told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, "was that in 2015 I will drive for Toro Rosso."
If I do have some anger, I will put it behind the wheel and make a show!
Jean-Eric Vergne
Team incumbent and Frenchman Vergne, however, said he didn't know about losing his Toro Rosso seat until six days later.
"I knew about it just before you did" on August 18, Vergne said.
Asked by France's RMC if he appreciated Red Bull's handling of the news, he answered: "I think there is no right or wrong way. And I'm strong enough to overcome this kind of stuff so there is no problem.
"It's pointless to be angry -- or if I do have some anger, I will put it behind the wheel and make a show!
"I am looking at opportunities. Today I am in F1 and my place is in F1."
However, former driver and German television commentator Marc Surer doesn't agree.
"He (Vergne) had his chance. He was against Daniel Ricciardo and didn't prevail, now he is struggling with the rookie Daniil Kvyat.
"This is obviously the worst thing that can happen to you as a driver -- you're in your third Formula One season against a driver who last year was in GP3 and you're not really beating him," said Surer.
"Only the best are in Formula One and Vergne is not among them.
"He is a good driver and as a Frenchman I could see him on the podium at Le Mans. But I think F1 is over for him."
Share Or Save This Story
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Pirelli chief calls for radical F1 overhaul
How a sportscar friendship prevailed over F1 rivalry
Top 10 Arrows F1 drivers ranked: Hill, Warwick, Fittipaldi and more
Obituary: Paul Rosche, 1934-2016
Racing Bulls "not in a rush" to decide between three "fantastic" drivers for F1 2027
Arvid Lindblad issues apology after Racing Bulls team-mate clash in Baku
How Arvid Lindblad has shown that he's found his feet in F1
Marc Marquez: Indonesian GP results a “dream” at my “worst circuit”
Fermin Aldeguer set for surgery after fracturing hand at Mandalika
'I don't know how I did that,' says Raul Fernandez after ride to Indonesian GP podium with broken finger
Pedro Acosta: MotoGP tyre pressure rules make us look like “donkeys”
What we learned from the 2026 F1 Singapore GP sprint and qualifying
How Honda plans a return to being an F1 powerhouse
Why Red Bull's 'crazy' power unit success matters so much for F1
No denying it now – the one reason why F1’s ‘horrible’ start in Malaysia could be a good thing
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments