New kids on 2015 Formula One grid
Melbourne (AFP) - Penpics on the five Formula One rookies joining the grid for the 2015 season starting with Sunday's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne (name/nationality/team):
MAX VERSTAPPEN (NED/Torro Rosso)
Will become on Sunday at 17 years and 166 days the youngest ever F1 driver, smashing Jaime Alguersuari's six-year-old record by almost two years. Born the same year Jacques Villeneuve clinched the world title, Verstappen comes from good F1 stock as his dad is former pilot Jos and mum Sophie a successful kart driver. Ten victories and 16 podiums in F3 last season was enough for Torro Rosso to pick up the phone.
CARLOS SAINZ JUNIOR (ESP/TORRO ROSSO)
The son of ex-world rally champ Carlos has inherited his father's love of horsepower. Youngest Formula Renault 3.5 champion in 2014 with seven wins. Red Bull were already tracking his potential giving him a series of tests in 2013.
FELIPE NASR (BRA/Sauber)
The 22-year-old who impressed in pre-season testing joins another Brazilian, former Sauber driver Felipe Massa, on the grid. He takes inspiration from another of his countrymen, the late F1 great Ayrton Senna. "Being Brazilian I learned so many things about him as a driver as a person on and off the track, so many videos, documentaries, I enjoyed watching him. I would put him as my idol," says the Banco do Brazil-backed Nasr who worked as test and reserve driver for Williams in 2014.
WILL STEVENS (GBR/Manor)
The Englishman acted as this team's test driver when it competed as Marussia last term, and made his F1 debut in the 2014 season-closing race in Abu Dhabi, replacing Marcus Ericsson for Caterham, steering his car into 17th and last. Earned his shot in the fast lane after advancing his claims in Formula Renault and before that karting.
ROBERTO MERHI (ESP/Manor)
Unveiled only on Tuesday as Stevens' partner to the team that has risen from the financial ashes of Marussia. Joins Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz junior as the third Spaniard on the 2015 grid. "I am happy because they have bet on me purely for my talent," said the 23-year-old who won the 2011 European F3 title.
