Dutch racing driver Max Verstappen is to become Formula 1's youngest ever driver when he competes for Scuderia Toro Rosso next year, replacing Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne in the team's line-up.

The 17 year old, whose father Jos previously raced for Formula 1 and whose mother Sophie is a former successful kart driver, is a world kart champion and has raced in the FIA F3 European Championship. Having signed for the Red Bull junior programme last year, Verstappen has been described by Toro Rosso as 'one of the most skilled young drivers of the new generation'.