Max Verstappen Was Full-Time Formula One Driver Before He Could Drive On The Road

Formula One world champion Max Verstappen was racing at 200mph on the track before he was legally allowed to drive on the road.

In 2015, the Dutchman was granted his FIA Super Licence and then became the youngest ever driver in the history of Formula One aged 17.

At first he was competing for Toro Rosso before switching to Red Bull and making further history as the youngest ever Grand Prix winner.

It was on his 18th birthday, on 30 September, that Verstappen passed his driving license after undertaking his theory in January.

"It's great to be 18 and to have a driving license," Verstappen announced on his official website at the time.

"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. 

"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."

Incredibly, Verstappen spent just five hours with his instructor and passed 10 days after his first lesson.

He wasn't too great at giving way though, as he revealed in an interview with G Star Raw.

"I hated driving stick. I’ll take an automatic any day," Verstappen said.

"My mum said I should do the test, and I agreed that it was a good idea. I studied from six in the evening to one in the morning. At 10 the next morning I went to the driving school and passed the test.

“I had to turn left and I turned right, so that was a bit awkward. I didn’t give way once, to pedestrians. They weren’t even waiting. But in the end I passed, so I was happy about that.”

On Sunday, Verstappen became the Formula One world champion in dramatic fashion when he overtook Lewis Hamilton in an incredible final lap in Abu Dhabi.

The pair had been neck and neck go into the final event.

Verstappen is known for being stone-faced and not showing emotion but he was overjoyed at realising his dream come true.

"It's insane. I don't know what to say," he told Sky Sports.

"I'm so pleased for the team and for all these guys. I love working with them so much.

"Finally today I had a bit of luck. My team know I love them and I want to do this with them for the next 10 or 15 years!"

Featured Image Credit: Image: PA & Formula One

Topics: Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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