Max Verstappen expressed his brimming excitement after being promoted by Red Bull to their lead team from Toro Rosso.
Verstappen has >swapped seats with Daniil Kvyat at the four-time world champions after the Russian's error-strewn start to the 2016 season.
The Dutchman impressed on the track as he set a number of records at the age of 17 last season and earned points finishes in the first three races of 2016 before retiring in Russia with a power unit failure from sixth.
Red Bull's promotion of Verstappen could be viewed as a move to protect themselves against Mercedes or Ferrari swooping for the teenager, who was thankful for the chance to race alongside Daniel Ricciardo.
"The next step in my relatively short career so far, is an amazing opportunity," he posted on his official website.
"I really want to thank Red Bull Racing and Dr. Helmut Marko for the confidence they have in me. I'll have the chance to learn a lot from the top team that is Red Bull Racing.
"I'm also looking forward to work with an experienced and proven team mate like Daniel Ricciardo.
"I can't thank all the people at Scuderia Toro Rosso enough for all their hard work.
"Everyone back at the factory in Faenza, and Franz Tost in particular, have made an amazing contribution to get me this far in my career. We've had an amazing time together.
"Together with Red Bull Racing we'll do everything to prepare me as best as possible for my first laps in the RB12 Tag Heuer, next week in Barcelona. I cannot wait for that special moment to happen."
F1 veteran Jenson Button was less than impressed by Red Bull's move.
"Really? One bad race and Kyvat's dropped," the 2010 world champion tweeted. "What about the podium in the previous race? #shortmemories
"I respect his [Verstappen's] talent but he's got time on his hands."
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