Toro Rosso Formula 1 lessons vital, says rookie Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen says he feels it is important to get plenty of experience with the Toro Rosso Formula 1 team before thinking about progressing to a bigger outfit

The 17-year-old became the sport's youngest points-scorer with seventh in Malaysia and has impressed with his racecraft in the opening part of the season.

However, he has failed to score in the other six races and his driving was described as "dangerous" by Williams' Felipe Massa after his crash with Romain Grosjean in Monaco.

"It's good for me to start here and get more experience and try and improve myself all the time," said Verstappen.

"I've learnt a lot of lessons and so far I'm happy with how things are going.

"It's important I have a lot of experience here first because that will make you successful in a top team.

"We (Verstappen and team-mate Carlos Sainz) are rookie drivers so when we make mistakes, they forgive you.

"But going to Red Bull, you can't make those mistakes, so it's good to stay here."

Daniil Kvyat made the step up to Red Bull after just one season in F1 but has endured a tricky start to his season and been outshone by team-mate Daniel Ricciardo.

However, the Russian eased the pressure with a career-best finish of fourth in Monaco, finishing ahead of Ricciardo for the first time this season.

Speaking about Kvyat, Verstappen said: "He's having a bit of a hard time, so it's not easy.

"Just one year at Toro Rosso to go to Red Bull and have a competitive team-mate like Daniel, it's difficult.