JOIN USDutch 16-year-old Max Verstappen is set to become Formula One’s youngest ever driver after the Toro Rosso team announced on Monday that he will replace Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne in their line-up next year.
Verstappen, son of former Grand Prix racer Jos, turns 17 only next month and is still too young to take a driving test in the Netherlands.
Even when he does turn 17, he will still have to wait a year before he is allowed to drive unaccompanied on public roads at home. The sport’s youngest driver to date is Spaniard Jaime Alguersuari, who made his debut with the same Red Bull-owned team in 2009 at the age of 19 and 125 days.
Verstappen has already built up an impressive resume, however, after starting in go-karts at the age of seven and comes from a racing family.
He has won a string of karting titles, including the world championship at 15, and is currently challenging for the European Formula Three title. Verstappen will partner Russian Daniil Kvyat, who made his debut with the team this year at the age of 19 years and 324 days.