Max Verstappen hits out at F1 rule that was created to stop drivers copying him | F1 | Sport

Max Verstappen has spoken out against rules which would have prevented him from making his Formula One debut. The criteria to be granted a super licence was made harder in 2016 to prevent major jumps between different standards of the sport.

Max Verstappen has spoken out against rules which would have prevented him from making his Formula One debut. The criteria to be granted a super licence was made harder in 2016 to prevent major jumps between different standards of the sport.

To compete in an F1 race, a driver must have accumulated at least 40 points to be awarded the super licence which can see them take to the track. Other requirements include being at least 18 years old and drivers must have completed 80 per cent of two full seasons in a single-seater series.

The FIA imposed the new points system just 12 months after Verstappen’s Grand Prix debut, with the new rules being set to prevent any other youngsters from following in his footsteps, and they remain in use despite the success he has enjoyed since.

The Dutchman made his debut at the age of 17 years and 166 days in 2015, moving from European Formula 3 into F1. Verstappen has since spoken out against the rules, questioning why younger drivers cannot prove themselves on the big stage.

Asked about the matter by the Dutch media, Verstappen said: “That rule was introduced because of me, of course. In the end, it doesn’t stop what it’s meant for.

“It’s not specifically about him, but this can stop some talents from getting into Formula 1 quickly because they have to accumulate those 40 points first. I’m not a big fan of it, of this entire system. The FIA thinks it’s good, but I’d rather not have it. If someone is 17 or 18 years old and has maybe 20 points, but if he is very fast, why can’t he get into Formula 1 then?”