F1 drivers back 16-year-old Le Mans starter

In brief

Verstappen, Ocon see no issue with 16-year-old Le Mans racer

Josh Pierson, who races in the IMSA sportscar championship, will become the youngest driver in the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours when he takes over the number 23 United Autosports car. At 16, he is too young to compete in either the Formula 1 or Formula 2 races at Baku City Circuit this week, as they have age limits of 18 and 17 years respectively.

Verstappen, who became the youngest driver to start an F1 race at the age of 17, prompting the introduction of the current limit, said he sees no problem with Pierson entering the demanding 24-hour race on the high-speed Circuit de la Sarthe.

“If he’s capable of driving, I don’t see why not,” Verstappen said when asked by RaceFans. “It shouldn’t depend on age. If he’s 16 and he’s capable of driving and he’s not a danger to others, then I think it’s perfectly fine.”

Ocon, who made his F1 debut aged 19, agreed with Verstappen. “I don’t think age should be a limit. I’ve arrived early in categories, in karting, arrived early into single seaters as well.

“Everything we are looking at is the performance really, not your age and how mature you have to be, and act to be professional at early age. And that’s probably what he’s going to face now.”

Leclerc’s power loss scare caused by engine mode error

Charles Leclerc says he “forgot” to change his engine mode, which led to his frantic radio messages reporting a loss of power in second practice.

The Ferrari driver retired from the lead of the Spanish Grand Prix in May due to a turbo failure. On Friday’s second practice in Baku, Leclerc reported a loss of power in his Ferrari before being told to switch to a different engine mode.

“Let me know quickly, I don’t want to take risks,” he told his race engineer. “We think everything is fine and…