At the last Hungarian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen surprised or annoyed, as desired. In the middle of the Grand Prix weekend, he had competed in another, on his simulator (an endurance race to be precise). In Saudi Arabia, he also competed in a race at 4 a.m.!
A true 'racer' like a true 'sim racer', can Max Verstappen reconcile a life as an F1 driver with an almost life as a professional virtual driver?
“Honestly, it keeps me sharp,” replies the main person concerned.
“In my opinion, you are doing exactly the same thing as in F1. Of course, hitting a wall doesn't hurt, but everything else, in terms of overtaking, defending, pit stops, strategy and working on settings, there are so many similarities with sim racing. Naturally, I like to win in real life but also in the virtual world. »
For Max Verstappen, sim racing also has an advantage: it allows all countries to be represented and participate, where places in F1 are necessarily very expensive.
“If you look at the real world of racing, it’s mainly dominated by a few countries,” explanation Verstappen. “With a competition like this, it doesn’t matter where in the world you come from. Everything is possible. That’s why it’s great to see all these countries represented. This gives you a chance to be competitive no matter where you are in the world,” he adds.
Another advantage of online competition: it can also act as a talent incubator.
“That’s ultimately the goal: to find the next talent in motorsport. This is what we are all working on together, and I really hope that in the future something positive will come out of this,” insists Verstappen.
When he retires from the circuits, perhaps sooner than expected, does Max Verstappen, who will also soon be a father, intend to find a second virtual career?
More broadly, what motivates him to stay in F1? What could also lead him to retire from F1 one day?
“Pleasure keeps me going. I really love what I do. Of course I'm happy with the races we win at Red Bull and the championships, but at the end of the day what should motivate you is being able to look in the mirror and tell yourself that you always give 100% and that you enjoy what you do,” this Verstappen.
