Just 16, Dutch teen set to become youngest ever F1 driver
Dutch teenager Max Verstappen is set to become the youngest driver in the history of Formula One after he was signed up by Torro Rosso.
The former karting world champion, the son of former F1 driver Jos who turns 17 in September, will replace Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne for the 2015 season.
Speaking to the team's website, Torro Rosso team principal Franz Tost, who described Max as "one of the most skilled young drivers of the new generation", said: "We believe he has the necessary maturity and mental strength to take on this challenge successfully.
"This year he has already demonstrated how well he can cope under difficult conditions.
"It will now be up to us to provide Max with a competitive car, which will enable him to have the best possible start to his Formula 1 career."
While Max isn't old enough to drive a regular car on public roads, he will become the youngest driver to ever start an F1 race next March after Spaniard Jaime Alguersuari, who was 19 years and 125 days old at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix.
After thanking his father, team and all his supporters and sponsors, Max said: "We've all worked tremendously hard to reach Formula 1 and I will give my absolute best to be successful in the pinnacle of motorsport.
"With the return of the Verstappen name to Formula 1, I hope we can relive old memories and I'm hoping to see many fans at all the Grand Prix circuits."
Sources: Mirror Online, The Daily Telegraph, PA Sport
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now