Speedy read: Five things to know about world's youngest F1 driver

Max Verstappen of Holland, who turns 17 in September, is set to become the youngest Formula One driver in history. He will join Toro Rosso for the 2015 season.

Here are five things to know about Verstappen:

1. Driving is in his DNA. He is the son of former F1 driver Jos Verstappen and go-kart driver Sophie Kumpen.

2. But Jos is no paragon-of-virtue father figure. After separating from Kumpen, Jos sent her threatening text messages. He was also convicted of assaulting a man at a karting event. In 2012, he deliberately drove his car into an ex-girlfriend, though not fatally.

3. Some figure out their calling in life pretty early. Max knew at three - three! - that he wanted to become a race car driver.

4. At 8, Max won the Belgian Karting Championship.

5. He is clear about his goal. "To become Formula 1 World Champion."