Max Verstappen is set to become the youngest ever driver to take part in a Grand Prix weekend. He will be just 17 years and three days old when he takes to the Suzuka International Racing Course in FP1 on Friday.
The Dutch F3 driver is yet to receive his super licence as he has only just passed the required medical screening in Helsinki. Max has completed the required mileage to qualify for the licence, so according to Toro Rosso team boss – Franz Tost
“Now it’s in the hands of the FIA whether he gets it in time.”
However, after an announcement from Red Bull Motorsport that he will be in FP1, It seems increasingly certain that he will be out on the track on Friday.
Son of former F1 driver Jos Verstappen, Max expressed his views on his debut at Suzuka.
“For me it will be a very valuable experience, spending some time in the car and also getting used to working with everyone in the team, to prepare myself for next year. I am not going there to break any records, I just want to gain experience. I have spent one day driving this track on the simulator, which helps a bit, but it’s no substitute for driving it for real.”
A mature approach to have for someone that turns 17 tomorrow, but no less than expected considering Helmut Marko has hailed the Dutchman as the next Ayrton Senna. Fans across the world would be excited to see someone as talented as the late Ayrton arrive on the modern F1 grid, but I believe we will have to wait and see how he performs in 2015 before passing judgement.
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