Max Verstappen to become youngest ever F1 driver

Max Verstappen is set to become the youngest Formula One driver as the Toro Rosso team yesterday announced that he will replace the current driver Jean-Eric Vergne in next season. Till date the Spanish driver Jaime Alguersuari holds the record for the youngest F1 driver as he made debut with the same Red Bull-owned team in 2009 at the age of 19 years and 125 days.

Verstappen, son of former grand prix racer Jos is not even allowed to take the driving test in his home country Netherlands as he will turn 17 next month. But talking about his skill behind the wheel, he has won as many karting titles including the world championship at the age of 15. He is currently taking part in the European Formula Three title.

"We consider Max to be one of the most skilled young drivers of the new generation and we believe he has the necessary maturity and mental strength to take on this challenge successfully," said team principal Franz Tost in a statement.

Moreover, Toro Rosso another driver and Max’s teammate, Daniil Kvyat too made his debut quite early in the age of 19 years and 324 days. Team Toro Rosso is actually behind the success of four times world champion, Sebastian Vettel as he too took his first win with Toro Rosso before making his way to the main team Red Bull Racing.

Verstappen on this exciting news said, "Ever since I was seven years old, Formula One has been my career goal, so this opportunity is truly a dream come true." He also thanked his father’s tremendous support and sponsors. He further said, "We've all worked tremendously hard to reach Formula One and I will give my absolute best to be successful in the pinnacle of motorsport."

While his father said, "With the return of the Verstappen name to Formula One, I hope we can relive old memories and I'm hoping to see many fans at all the Grand Prix circuits."