Max Verstappen, 16, will be youngest Formula One driver

Sixteen-year-old Max Verstappen will become the youngest driver in Formula One history next season after being unveiled as Toro Rosso’s new signing.

The Dutch teenager, son of ex-F1 driver Jos Verstappen, will partner Daniil Kvyat in the Red Bull feeder team with Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne surplus to requirements.

“Ever since I was seven years old, Formula One has been my career goal, so this opportunity is truly a dream come true,” Verstappen said on the team’s website.

Verstappen, who turns 17 next month, will beat the age record held by Spain’s Jaime Alguersuari, who was 19 when he made his debut in 1990. He won the world go-karting championship last year and has won eight out of 27 races since graduating to Formula Three.