Max Verstappen , the 17-year-old Formula One rookie , has equalled his father Jos ’ best-ever grid position in only his second race . Verstappen Snr , who competed in over 100 grands prix , most notably as team-mate to Michael Schumacher at Benetton in the mid-nineties , qualified sixth for the 1994 Belgian Grand Prix . And on Saturday his son turned in a performance that goes way beyond his tender years to match his dad ’ s result during qualifying for tomorrow ’ s race in Malaysia . Max Verstappen impressed in difficult conditions to qualify sixth for Sunday 's Malaysian Grand Prix . The 17-year-old has equalled his father Jos Verstappen 's best-ever qualifying result in only his second race . The Dutchman , who is still not old enough to drive on his own in his native Holland appeared unfazed by the tricky wet conditions to post a best time of 1:40.793 , which was only marginally slower than the Red Bull pair of Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat . ‘ I am very proud of that but he has to do a lot better than I did in my career , ’ his father Jos said . Verstappen 's sixth position on the grid in Sepang is also the highest by a teenager in more than half-a-century after Ricardo Rodriguez , 19 at the time , started second for Ferrari at the 1961 Italian Grand Prix . The Dutchman displayed signs of maturity way beyond his tender years to qualify on the third row . ' I studied the lines from last year so that helped me already a bit , ’ said Verstappen . ' I think the most important thing is to just stay cool and do your lap . 'It was a good start for me as I always enjoy driving in the rain . All in all , I can be really happy about getting P6 . ' Verstappen was set to finish in the points on his grand prix bow in Australia only for mechanical gremlins to strike his Toro Rosso on lap 34 . Jos Verstappen is pictured on the podium alongside Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill at the 1994 Hungarian GP .
Max Verstappen , 17 , impressed in difficult conditions to qualify sixth . It equals his dad Jos ' best qualifying result in only his second grand prix . Comment: Verstappen still not old enough to drive on his own in native Holland .