Verstappen's debut in Formula1 was at Benetton alongside Michael Schumacher in 1994. He was involved in a terrifying pit lane fire in 1995, when his car and several mechanics servicing it during a pit stop burst into flame after some fuel was spilled. Fortunately the fireproof clothing worn by all concerned saved them from serious injury.

The Dutchman, who has one of the largest fan clubs in Formula1, dropped out of the reckoning in 1999 after driving 48 Grands Prix in four years. In 1997 he struggled to produce results in the difficult Tyrrell Ford, qualifying 14th in Canada, but more often than not starting from the back two rows of the grid.

He never looked like adding to his collection of 11 championship points (10 of which came in his first season at Benetton), although the best finish he managed was eighth in Monaco, despite a couple of spins. The latter stages of the season saw improved car reliability but little chance of points.

In 1998 he replaced Jan Magnussen at Stewart Ford in time for the French GP and was hoping to show some of the form from his debut season in 1994. Unfortunately it was not to be and he was left with out a race drive for 1999. During that time he tested with Honda while they were still thinking of running their own team. When this opportunity fell through Verstappen worked hard to get a drive for 2000 and was pleased to taken on by Arrows, who appeared to have a vastly improved car for the coming season.

The Dutchman showed true grit and determination in his first season back in the sport, and fought hard for the five points he evntually won. Some spins off the track during races saw him fail to collect points, but he impressed the team by earning the most points of their driver line-up, and consequently was asked to stay on in 2001 and shakedown the brand new A22 at Silverstone.