Max Verstappen 'too young' for F1 - Todt
- Published on 15 Dec 2014 09:27
-
4
- By: Rob Veenstra
The measure was apparently a reaction to the controversial debut of Max Verstappen, who at just 17 has leapt from karting to a Toro Rosso race deal in the space of a year. FIA president Todt told the Italian broadcaster Rai: "Personally, I do think he is too young."
"A few days ago at the World Council in Qatar, we changed the criteria for the super license," he explained. "Starting from 2016, a driver will not be able to get it before he is able to operate a car on public roads. I think this is a logical solution," Todt added. (GMM)
Trending news
-
'Newey Hospitalised as Aston Martin Struggle On'
Adrian Newey's arrival at Aston Martin was supposed to be the beginning of the team's transformation into a g...
07 May 2026 15:20 -
Antonelli's Miami Win Gives Mercedes a Historic Podium Record
Andrea Kimi Antonelli's victory in Miami was not just another win in a dominant run of results. It also moved Mer...
07 May 2026 14:19 -
Horner Rules Out Alpine Return and Compares Marquez to Verstappen
Christian Horner has been out of Formula 1 since Red Bull removed him from his team principal role last year, and he ...
07 May 2026 13:18 -
Red Bull Admit the Weight Problem Was Fixed Too Late but Promise More Progress by Austria
Max Verstappen knew something was wrong with the RB22 from the very first lap of the season. Red Bull have now formal...
07 May 2026 12:14 -
Analyst Says Mercedes Need to Intervene With Russell
George Russell blamed the Miami circuit for not suiting his driving style after a difficult weekend that ended with a...
07 May 2026 11:13
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Local time
-
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Local time
-
Friday
-
Saturday
-
Sunday
-
Friday
-
Saturday
-
Sunday
Test calendar
Circuit de Catalunya - Winter testing
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
World Championship standings 2026
Related news
Give your opinion!
Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Driver profile
- Team Red Bull Racing
- Points 3,471
- Podiums 127
- Grand Prix 237
- Country NL
- Date of b. Sep 30 1997 (28)
- Place of b. Hasselt (Belgie), NL
- Weight 70 kg
- Length 1.8 m
828,421 comments on Red Bull Racing
982 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Max Verstappen

Replies (4)
Login to replyDutchTreath
Posts: 5,058
Ja hoe ouder zij worden hoe trager de hersens werken. Ik vind het eerlijk gezegd een beetje dubieus te noemen dat de voorzitter van de FIA nu pas een statement maakt. Een beetje " De put dempen na dat het kalf al verdronken is " . Van Jean Todt had ik toch iets meer nuancering verwacht omtrent dit soort uitspraken. Zij (FIA) hebben de regels pas aangepast op aandrang van verschillende concurrerende teams. Om nu pas met zo'n verklaring naar buiten te komen vind ik ongepast. Persoonlijk had ik het chique gevonden als hij voor de rest zijn mond had gehouden. Maar dat is mijn persoonlijke mening.
DutchTreath
Posts: 5,058
Excuse me for the Dutch languages, here my English version ;
How older the get how slower the brains work with some people. I honestly find it a bit dubious, that a president of the FIA at last find the time to make a statement about this topic. From Jean Todt I at-lease expect some more nuance about this subject. The (FIA) have only adapted the rules at the instigation of several competing teams. To come out now with such a statement is inappropriate. Personally, I had more respect for the guy, if he had kept his mouth shut about this subject. But that's my personal opinion.
BtwnDitches
Posts: 204
DutchTreath - thank you for the translation. I agree more than disagree with your criticism of Todt, viz-a-viz his role in F1 governance, but I do agree with his conclusion that 17 is too young (for Verstappen).
DutchTreath
Posts: 5,058
BtwnDitches, It is not reasonable that we wait and see how he does the first 3 or 4 races in 2015, and than making a judgement if an 17 years old contender indeed can be associated with talent? Now every one condemn the person already before he and STR can prove we are wrong about the hole situation. I will be the first to admit, and price the guy, if he do a good job. But before that i give him the benefit of the doubt.