Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsToro Rosso

Driving lessons of a different sort for Verstappen

Max Verstappen is 17-years-old and an established Formula 1 driver, but he still needs to learn how to drive a car on the public roads!

Instead of heading for the beach like most of his rivals for a well deserved intermission during the four-week break until the next Grand Prix, the Toro Rosso junior will spend his time learning about the highway code.

"I'm doing my lessons in the summer break," said the youngster who finished a remarkable 4th in last weekend's Hungarian GP.

"With the F1 schedule it has been difficult to fit everything in so I've had to wait for the break. You need a minimum six or seven hours driving under the laws in Belgium, where I live, and I hope that's all I need. We'll see."

Whether his instructor will be impressed by Max's late braking and overtaking skills remains to be seen. It may be a case of curbing junior's need for speed...

Click here for F1i's driver ratings following the Hungarian Grand Prix

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.