Horner: 21st birthday and he drove like a veteran

He then stayed out in front until pitting 10 laps from the end to finish fifth at Sochi Autodrom.

If grid penalties due to engine changes had made sure Formula 1’s youngest ever winner was unlikely to appear on the podium in Sochi, he at least made sure of his share of the limelight.

Speaking about his driver's opening lap, team chief Christian Horner told reporters, “They were mega,” team boss Christian Horner told reporters. "Twenty-first birthday today and he drove like a veteran."

“I think it was one of the most astounding first few laps we’ve seen for a long time... He led from lap 14 all the way to lap 42. It was just a shame he had to stop.”

Verstappen started 19th but had already made up 10 places after four laps, he was seventh after six laps and fifth after eight — the pre-race target and behind only Mercedes and Ferrari.

“We were hoping for a safety car, I think that would have been the only realistic chance (of a podium),” said Horner. “If it had grouped the field up in the last third of the race, then there might have been a chance on a grippier tyre.”

Verstappen had a rough start to the season, with plenty of incidents and two non-finishes in the first four races, but is ending it strongly as he did last year.

He won in Austria, with an army of fans in the grandstands, and has been on the podium six times.

“Really since after the Monaco Grand Prix, it’s been very strong,” said Horner. “He’s driven some great races so he’s maturing, he’s obviously got quite a reasonable amount of experience now and he’s performing at an incredibly high level.”

Verstappen was clearly chuffed with his performance and said after the race, “It went well. The target had always been to finish fifth, but we can be very satisfied the way we achieved that today.”

“I had a decent start and was able to move through the traffic and before long I was fifth, so that was very good. My car felt good and the grip was also immediately there, so we were able to easily move up. It all felt good, so I am very happy with that.”

“We had to bring the car home and there wasn’t much more in store. Just no chance. The left front tyres would be destroyed after a few laps, so you are not really able to push,” added the Dutchman who lies fifth in the championship with five rounds remaining.