Baptism of Fire
Test driver and race driver for Benetton team
For 1994, the Benetton team consisted of Michael Schumacher and Finnish driver J.J. Lehto with Jos Verstappen as test driver and reserve. During pre-season testing, Lehto was seriously injured in an accident at Silverstone. Jos was thus thrown into F1 racing at the deep-end, partnering Schumacher for race 1 of the season. A daunting task with what was to be a championship-winning car, Jos would partner Schumacher for most of the 1994 season as Lehto recovered.
A shocking debut saw Jos escape a terrific crash at the Brazilian Grand Prix caused by Eddie Irvine and a refueling error made his Benetton explode with flames at Hockenheim, Germany mid-season. Verstappen bounced back to score helpful team points and twice finish thrid (At Hungary & Belgium).
The 1994 season was marked by many accidents (such as Verstappen's pitlane fire) and claimed the lives of drivers Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger at the San Marino Grand Prix, not to mention many other crashes injuring drivers throughout the season. Huge steps were taken hereafter to improve formula one safety.
Total points scored: 10
Best qualifying position: 6th: Spa, Belgium
Best race finish: 3rd: Hungaroring, Hungary and Spa, Belgium
Drivers world championship position: 10th (team mate 1st; World Champion).
Team world championship position: 2nd
