Force India driver Sergio Perez has advised teenager Max Verstappen to ignore media coverage and put faith his own abilities in his debut Formula 1 season.

Verstappen will become the youngest driver in F1 history when he competes in the Australian Grand Prix next March, but his signing has been criticised by former champion Jacques Villeneuve as the "worst thing ever" for the sport.

However, Perez believes that the Dutchman could have a big impact on F1 in 2015.

He is quoted by Autosport as saying: "I've heard really good things about him, so it will be nice to see how such a nice kid deals with all the pressure.

"He is making history. The kid has to be very special because he is breaking the record big time.

"If you're good enough and Red Bull put the faith in you to go and race, why not? It's good for the sport and for the fans."

Verstappen will race for Toro Rosso alongside fellow rookie Carlos Sainz Jr.