When the Formula 1 field lines up for the 2015 Australian Grand Prix Max Verstappen will by far and a way become the youngest driver to start a Formula 1 race.
Verstappen's instantaneous promotion to F1, having signed up to Red Bull's junior driver programme while still in the process of completing his maiden season in single-seater racing, is something unprecedented in the modern era of F1.
Unsurprisingly, Verstappen's deal to replace Jean-Eric Vergne at Toro Rosso, which was announced ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, sparked much discussion in the Spa paddock as to how a 16-year-old Dutch racer - who has yet to finish school and is not yet old enough to drive on the road in his home country - can possibly be ready to compete at motorsport's highest level.