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Verstappen reflects on driving test: 'The examiner was not happy'

Max Verstappen was handed a full-time seat in Formula 1 before he had his road driver's licence. The Dutchman has now reflected on the test itself.

Three-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has reflected on his driving test, which occurred several months into the Dutchman's F1 career. Verstappen's rapid ascension to F1 saw him take a seat with Toro Rosso at just 17 years of age. Soon after, the FIA changed F1's rules to ensure there would be no repeat of Verstappen's situation. Now, drivers must be in possession of a road licence while also being over the age of 18 - meaning Verstappen will likely forever be F1's youngest-ever driver.

At odds with the examiner

Having already had a handful of F1 Grands Prix under his belt, Verstappen sat his F1 driving test and passed on his first attempt. However, speaking to The Times , the Dutchman revealed that it was exactly a smooth sailing examination. “The examiner told me to go right and I went left,” Verstappen said. “Then I didn’t give way [to pedestrians at a crossing]. “He was not very happy. I argued with him because I thought they were not actually at the crossing. “So I was, like, “But they’re not there yet, so why should I stop?” Verstappen admitted that it would have been humiliating if he failed to pass: “I did, yeah, luckily [pass]. “It would be quite embarrassing if I hadn’t. I think he was nice to me.”

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