F1's governing body has cleared the way for Max Verstappen to make history this week at Suzuka. Under existing rules, a hopeful rookie can qualify for the mandatory 'super license' credential by testing for more than 300 kilometres under FIA supervision.
Verstappen, who turns 17 on Tuesday, did that recently at Adria in Italy, as Red Bull pushes F1's youngest ever driver into action at an unprecedented speed. "He did 396 kilometres without any problem," said Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost in Singapore. "People were really impressed with his performance and now it's in the hands of the FIA."
Indeed, the Faenza based team announced on Monday that the Dutchman has been granted a super license, and will therefore make his Friday practice debut at Suzuka in Jean-Eric Vergne's place. Even so, the Verstappen issue is a contentious one.
Some believe it is ridiculous that a driver who does not even qualify for a road-driving license can leap almost directly from karting to motor racing's highest category. "His appearance (in Japan) will underline fears that the sport is simply too easy," The Times correspondent Kevin Eason reports. "The FIA ... is said to be examining ways of making F1 cars harder to drive," he revealed.
Another measure under scrutiny is the ease with which drivers can obtain the super license, after the FIA recently vowed to "review the qualification and conditions" for the credential. Nonetheless, Verstappen is unfazed by the controversy. "I don't look at social media too much," he is quoted by the Dutch website racexpress.nl. "There are many negative things written, but also many positive things as well. I just concentrate on what I'm doing." (GMM)
F1 'too easy' as teen Verstappen makes debut at Suzuka
- Published on 30 Sep 2014 09:43
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- By: Rob Veenstra
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Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
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Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
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Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
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Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia
Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
Japan
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Bahrain International Circuit
17 - Apr 19
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Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
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Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
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Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Driver profile
- Team Red Bull Racing
- Points 3,488
- Podiums 128
- Grand Prix 238
- Country NL
- Date of b. Sep 30 1997 (28)
- Place of b. Hasselt (Belgie), NL
- Weight 70 kg
- Length 1.8 m
- 831,423 comments on Red Bull Racing
982 members have this team as their favourite
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