The 16-year-old, who is the son of former F1 driver Jos, only graduated from karts this year and impressive performances in the European F3 Championship saw him join Red Bull’s junior programme little more than a week ago.
Verstappen will be just 17 when he takes to the grid next year, becoming F1’s youngest ever driver.
“Ever since I was seven years old, Formula 1 has been my career goal, so this opportunity is truly a dream come true.
“We’ve all worked tremendously hard to reach Formula 1. With the return of the Verstappen name to F1, I hope we can relive old memories and I’m hoping to see many fans at all the circuits.”
The news has been greeted with a wide variety of responses, with some fans and F1 media personnel criticising Red Bull for bringing the young star into F1 too early.
More to follow.
7ft James 