Toro Rosso phenom Max Verstappen has celebrated his 18th birthday by passing his driving test, one year after being granted the FIA Super Licence that has allowed him to contest his maiden Formula One campaign.
Many eyebrows were raised when Red Bull elected to promote the 16-year-old European F3 sensation straight to F1. Since then, the young Dutchman has silenced many of his detractors to become the youngest driver ever to compete and score in the sport.
“It’s great to be eighteen and to have a driving license”, Verstappen told his official website. “That I’m finally allowed on the road on my own gives me more independence, which is great! I have to say it’s a relief to pass the test. I was a bit nervous to make mistakes, but the exam went well.”
“If I want to go somewhere on my own, at least now I’m able to jump in my Renault Clio RS and go. That sense of liberty feels great.”
Verstappen’s burgeoning F1 career has already seen the rookie deliver some cracking races and pull off several ballsy overtaking manoeuvres, but the rising star insists he will drive gentlemanly on open roads.
“Don’t worry, I’ll stick to the rules”, concluded Verstappen, who currently sits 12th in the 2015 Drivers’ standings and has scored 32 of the 42 points amassed by Toro Rosso so far.
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