The youngest person to start a Formula 1 (F1) race is Max Verstappen.
Max Verstappen made his F1 debut at the 2015 Australian Grand Prix with Scuderia Toro Rosso at the remarkable age of 17 years and 166 days. This achievement made him the youngest driver ever to compete in a Formula 1 Grand Prix, setting a record that stands to this day. His precocious talent quickly became evident, leading to a rapid promotion to Red Bull Racing, where he secured his first victory in his debut race for the team at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.
Top Youngest F1 Race Starters
Verstappen's record highlights an era where exceptionally young talent began to emerge in Formula 1. Here is a list of the youngest drivers to have started an F1 race:
| Rank | Driver | Age |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | 17 years, 166 days |
| 2 | Lance Stroll | 18 years, 148 days |
| 3 | Oliver Bearman | 18 years, 305 days |
| 4 | Lando Norris | 19 years, 124 days |
Data compiled from List of Formula One driver records.
The FIA Age Limit Rule Change
Following Max Verstappen's debut and the subsequent debate about driver maturity and experience, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) introduced a new minimum age requirement for F1 drivers. As of 2016, a driver must be at least 18 years old to obtain an FIA Super Licence, which is mandatory to compete in Formula 1. This rule was implemented to ensure drivers have adequate experience and maturity before entering the pinnacle of motorsport.
- Key aspects of the FIA Super Licence requirements include:
- A minimum age of 18 years old.
- Holding a valid road driving license.
- Accumulating 40 Super Licence points over the preceding three years from various junior categories (e.g., Formula 2, Formula 3).
- Completing at least 300 km in a representative Formula 1 car during a free practice session, in conjunction with the Super Licence application.
This rule change means that Max Verstappen's record as the youngest-ever F1 starter is now incredibly challenging, if not impossible, to break under current regulations, solidifying his unique place in Formula 1 history. You can learn more about Max Verstappen's career on the official Formula 1 website.
