Toro Rosso ace Verstappen passes driving test

Formula One driver Max Verstappen is now officially permitted to drive on the road after passing his driving test in Belgium on the day he turned 18.

The Dutch driver, who races for the Toro Rosso team, has competed in 14 Grands Prix but until Wednesday was unable to drive legally on public roads.

Verstappen, who also has Belgian nationality, put that right by passing his test at the first attempt and then posted a photograph of himself at the wheel of a car with the following message on Twitter: "Legal to drive. Born to race! #driverlicense."

Verstappen also commented on his personal website, Verstappen.nl: "It's great to be 18 and to have a driving license.

"That I'm finally allowed on the road on my own gives me more independence, which is great! I have to say it's a relief to pass the test. I was a bit nervous to make mistakes, but the exam went well."

Source: AFP