Quadruple Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen was sanctioned during the winter break of the sport following a controversial incident on the track.
The Red Bull star appears eager to return to competition as preparations intensify for his return to the pinnacle of motorsport, ahead of the 2025 season.
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The Dutchman won his fourth consecutive F1 championship title with Red Bull in 2024, although the team’s continued struggles on the track have made it difficult for their star driver at times.
Aged 27, Verstappen has been at the center of several controversies last year, his flowery wordsits manifestations during press conferences and its nighttime sim racing series having provoked many reactions.
As drivers enjoy the off-season, Verstappen is competing in the 2024-25 GTP IMSA Esports World Championship, entering as a wildcard for the final round.
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Accident de Verstappen and simulation
Verstappen found himself in a difficult situation due to a controversial move during a virtual race in which his Acura attempted to overtake, but misjudged his attack, causing him and the leading Williams to crash out. championship.
Both cars were stopped on the track for a while, but were able to return to racing after Verstappen was given a pass-through penalty for a collision.
Regarding the incident, Verstappen said: “I just slightly locked the rear wheels and in this car it’s very difficult to control, so I just widened my line,” he explained. “After that I think both cars suffered damage, so the first stint was quite difficult. Then we made a pit stop, almost cleaned the car, I would say, [elle a été] almost completely repaired, so the rhythm was almost back.”
“I tried to pass a car behind, I think it was a GTD car, and it didn’t keep its line. I think he just wanted to stay away, to be honest, a bit of miscommunication and I had damage again in less than three laps.”
The affected Williams, however, finished in 10th place, but despite this incident, it was enough to give Grove’s team the IMSA simulation title.
In the GTD category, Verstappen’s Redline team also won the title thanks to two victories from Florian Lebigre and Enzo Bonito.
Good to know
- Max Verstappen began his career in karting at an early age before moving to Formula 1.
- Racing simulation incidents highlight the challenges of transitioning from virtual to real racing.
- The F1 season usually begins in late March, providing insight into how teams are performing on the track.
