Team Toro Rosso has confirmed that Max Verstappen would replace Jean-Eric Vergne from the start of next season, making him the youngest driver in F1 history.
Verstappen is just 16 years old and only graduated from Karts this year. However, an impressive string of performances in the European F3 Championship made him enlist in Red Bull’s junior programme earlier this month.
The Dutch driver would be 17 at the end of September and would therefore comfortably break the record currently held by Jaime Alguersuari, who was 19 years and 125 days old when he made his F1 debut, also for Toro Rosso, at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2009.
“Ever since I was seven years old, Formula 1 has been my career goal, so this opportunity is truly a dream come true.” Verstappen said.
Verstappen’s entry to F1 means he would partner Russian, Daniil Kvyat, who has himself only just turned 20.
Despite his age and inexperience, Toro Rosso Team Principal, Franz Tost, believes Verstappen has already shown the mental strength needed to compete in F1.
“We are happy to welcome Max into the Toro Rosso family,” Tost said. “It’s great to see how the Red Bull Junior Programme continues to find talented young drivers and gives them the opportunity to come into Formula 1.
Jean-Eric Vergne would part ways with Toro Rosso after three years with the Faenza-based team, although Tost is hopeful the Frenchman can secure himself a place at another outfit.
