F1 is simply adjusting to the new "global trend" of younger athletes. That is the claim of Max Verstappen, who in Melbourne shattered the old record to become the youngest race driver in the history of the sport.
The old record was held by Jaime Alguersuari, who was 19 when he made his debut in 2009. Seven other 19-year-olds have also raced in F1, including Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel. Dutchman Verstappen, however, only turned 17 last September.
His debut has therefore been highly controversial, moving the FIA to impose a minimum age of 18 for F1 drivers in 2016 and beyond. "Everyone can have their own opinion," Verstappen, whose 43-year-old father Jos also raced in F1, told Germany's Auto Bild.
"In the end it is up to me to show that they are wrong. But I would say that there is a global trend of more and more young people entering high-performance sports. Real Madrid, for example, has signed a 16-year-old Norwegian," said Verstappen.
In Melbourne, Verstappen was outqualified by his 20-year-old teammate Carlos Sainz before retiring in the race. He said he is not worried he might now echo the rookie season of his father Jos, who in 1994 debuted as a 22-year-old alongside Michael Schumacher at Benetton.
"My debut is under completely different circumstances," Max insisted. "His teammate in 1994 was none other than Michael Schumacher, who we all know now is the most successful formula one driver of all time. Actually, he had no chance under those circumstances to distinguish himself. For me it's different. Toro Rosso and Red Bull are used to working with young drivers and developing them. So I am in good hands," said Verstappen. (GMM)
Young people entering sports is 'global trend' - Verstappen
- Published on 23 Mar 2015 11:20
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- By: Rob Veenstra
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Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
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Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
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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
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17 - Apr 19
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Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
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Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
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Gilles Villeneuve
5 - Jun 7
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Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
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Circuit de Catalunya
26 - Jun 28
Austria
Red Bull Ring
3 - Jul 5
United Kingdom
Silverstone
17 - Jul 19
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
24 - Jul 26
Hungary
Hungaroring
21 - Aug 23
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
Driver profile
- Team Red Bull Racing
- Points 3,557
- Podiums 131
- Grand Prix 245
- Country NL
- Date of b. Sep 30 1997 (28)
- Place of b. Hasselt (Belgie), NL
- Weight 70 kg
- Length 1.8 m
- 842,913 comments on Red Bull Racing
983 members have this team as their favourite
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