Max Verstappen is eager to prove the FIA wrong for raising the age limit a driver can enter Formula One.

At the age of 17 Verstappen will become the youngest driver in F1 history in March when he makes his grand prix debut in the season-opener in Australia with Toro Rosso.

Verstappen, son of former driver Jos, caused a stir in August when aged 16 it was announced he would be fast-tracked into an F1 race seat, and with no regulation to outlaw the move.

The FIA did react, though, by announcing in early December that as from 2016 no driver under the age of 18 can compete, nor without a licence following the implementation of a new system.

Verstappen, who recently acquired a provisional road car driving licence but cannot legally drive on his own until 18, told Press Association Sport: "It's a new rule, so you have to deal with it.

"But luckily I can do my season, then I'm 18 and it's fine.

"I can understand what they (the FIA) have done because they might have thought at one point there could be a 16-year-old in F1, you never know.

"For me, I can only show them this season I deserve to be here, and to prove they are wrong."

As for the fact Verstappen can drive one of the fastest cars on the planet on his own, but needs supervision to drive a road car, the young Dutch star added: "I know, it's quite funny.

"I feel I grew up differently compared to some other teenagers.

"For me it doesn't make a difference whether you can drive on the road or not. Racing is a bit different compared to driving on the road."

Verstappen, currently testing with Toro Rosso in the first pre-season test in Jerez, now has his own personal trainer for the first time in an effort to become accustomed to the physical nature of the sport.

"I'm having to prepare physically and it's been quite intense," said Verstappen.

"I've been training my body to get stronger because Formula One is so physically demanding.

"I'm naturally having to bulk up, but not too much. I can't gain too much weight, so I've a personal trainer who keeps an eye on what I'm eating, telling me what's healthy.

"I've not had that before, it's the first year for me, but it's good because it keeps me fit, the training is going well. It's enjoyable."

For Verstappen, although he drove in first practice for the team last year ahead of the Japanese, United States and Brazilian Grands Prix, his big moment will finally arrive on March 15 in Melbourne.

Remarkably for someone so young and in such a spotlight, Verstappen comes across as very level-headed and feels he will barely be fazed by what by rights should be a daunting prospect.

"Obviously there will be excitement in the build-up to the first race in Australia, but once the lights go out I will be wanting to race, to beat the guys in front of me," said Verstappen.

"I'm sure I'll be a bit nervous beforehand - normally I'm not - but as it will be my first F1 race it will be a little bit different.

"You naturally want to do a good job so there is no room for nerves. I've just trained myself to be this way, setting things aside and doing what I have to do.

"You just have to believe in yourself and be confident in what you are capable of, so as I say, there is no reason to be nervous."