Max speed: 17-year-old Verstappen to become youngest F1 driver in Japan

Max Verstappen, son of former motor racer Jos, will become the youngest driver in F1 history when he replaces France’s Red Bull driver Jean-Eric Vergne in the first practice session at Suzuka ahead of Sunday’s Japanese grand prix. Max, who will be 17 on Tuesday, said: “It is good preparation for next year, even if it’s not something I could have imagined a few months ago.”The teenager has already signed to replace Vergne in the team next season.

My dad has raced at Suzuka many times and he told me it’s not an easy track to start on.

Max Verstappen

He added: “To already be participating in a practice session is of course a dream come true. I have one and a half hours to drive there and I’m looking forward to doing a good job, for myself and for the team.” Toro Rosso’s Russian rookie Daniil Kvyat, who made his debut this season as a 19-year-old and took Vettel’s record as the youngest ever points scorer, has not even been to Japan before let alone Suzuka.

I’ve read a bit about Japanese culture, which has made me curious to see the country for myself.

F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel

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