New Toro Rosso Formula 1 recruit Max Verstappen has been likened to three-time world champion Ayrton Senna by Red Bull junior team boss Helmut Marko.

Verstappen, the 16-year-old son of former grand prix driver Jos Verstappen, is gearing up to make his F1 debut having been announced as Jean-Eric Vergne’s replacement at Red Bull’s sister team.

Marko in his role as head of driver development at Red Bull Racing has played a key part in promoting the talented teenager to the pinnacle of motorsport and is predicting the youngster to have a serious impact on the sport.

In an interview with the official Formula 1 website, Marko has heaped praise onto the Dutchman, who is currently second in the FIA European F3 Championship, claiming he has similar qualities to F1 legend Senna.

“Most likely Ayrton Senna,” said Marko, when asked to compare the teenager to another driver.

“And in such a case you must not look at his age.

“He has been talking with people who are experts when it comes to the development of youngsters and they all say that (in terms of) his mind he is more like 22 than 16.

“And regarding his skills behind the steering wheel, he has been racing since he was four years old – professionally.

“So we expect him to be competitive from the first race.

“We are not playing the lottery – we know what we are doing. And success proves us right.

“He is an exceptional talent that comes along only once in decades.”

Verstappen, who completed a test behind the wheel of a 2012 Toro Rosso car at Italy’s Adria circuit earlier this month, could make his grand prix weekend debut at the Japanese Grand Prix in Friday’s free practice session.

The teenager is yet to receive an F1 Superlicense required to compete in a sanctioned official F1 session.

“He will do some Friday runs,” added Marko.

“Not long ago he did a 400 km test in Italy, he’s in the simulator whenever possible and he’s working on his physique and psychology with top experts.”