Max: More points, less criticism

In the points for the first time in Malaysia, Max Verstappen concedes the more he scores, the fewer critics he will have.

Verstappen's debut at the age of 17 has not only shined the spotlight firmly on the Dutchman but it has also come with its share of critics.

So far, though, he has impressed many in the paddock.

Retiring from the Australian GP due to car troubles, he finished inside points at the next race, Malaysia, bringing his STR10 home in seventh place.

Asked to evaluate his own performance so far this season, he told the official F1 website: "Ha, I don't give myself a pat on the back!

"But I feel very comfortable in the team – and I hope that goes vice versa.

"Of course there is still a lot to learn and there is room for improvements, but overall I can say yes, so far so good."

As for his critics, he is hoping his points-finish in Sepang will have gone some way towards silencing those.

"I hope so," he said. "In the end all these critics didn’t really get to me.

"I am on my mission – to be successful in Formula One – so I follow my own star."

But, as he admits, the best way to win over the naysayers is "the more points, the fewer critics!"