Max Verstappen admits he is excited ahead of his Red Bull debut at his weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

The Dutchman was recently promoted from feeder team Toro Rosso as a replacement for Daniil Kvyat following the Russian’s clash with Sebastian Vettel at his home race last month.

With the pair swapping places, it will be Verstappen who is behind the wheel of the RB12 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and he will be looking to kick on from his early-season form which has seen him finish in the top 10 in three out of four races.

The 18-year-old impressed during his debut season in 2015 and it had appeared inevitable that he would get a chance with a top team sooner rather than later.

Barcelona is one of the toughest circuits on the calendar and Verstappen admits he will need to be on top of his game if he is to record his first podium finish.

However, he is determined to prove Red Bull were right to promote him. “I’m very excited for the opportunity to drive for Red Bull Racing and I can’t wait to jump in the car in Barcelona,” he said.

“I have a lot of work to do ahead of the race, lots of data to study, but luckily it’s a track I know well because we have driven there so much.

“The crowd is also one you always notice, with many Spanish fans showing their support and enjoying the racing!”

Verstappen is currently 34.00 to win this weekend in Spain, with Championship leader Nico Rosberg the 2.15 favourite to preserve his perfect record in 2016 ahead of Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who is priced at 2.20.