Max Verstappen isn’t just winning F1 championships – he’s trying to change how young racers break into the sport.
The four-time F1 world champion is working on a groundbreaking plan to help sim racers make the jump into real-world racing, starting as soon as next year.
"This will already happen next year, that we’ll bring a simracer into the real world," Verstappen revealed on the Track Limits podcast. "We’re preparing right now and it’s very exciting."
It’s no secret that getting into motorsport is incredibly expensive. Even basic karting can cost families tens of thousands per year, with F1 being practically out of reach for most talented youngsters.
That’s where sim racing comes in.
Verstappen believes virtual racing could offer a more affordable path for promising drivers to prove themselves. He’s already putting this idea into action through his Team Redline organization.
One of the first drivers getting this opportunity is Chris Lulham, Verstappen’s Team Redline teammate. Lulham started in karting but switched to sim racing at 16 when the costs became too much.
"For me seeing young talent be quick on the sim, in real life seeing them drive a real car for the first time – it’s something I get a lot of enjoyment from," Verstappen explained.
The Dutch champion’s involvement could be a game-changer for sim racers worldwide. With his backing and connections in F1, this might open up a whole new pathway for future racing stars.
It’s pretty amazing to see a current F1 champion investing in the next generation this way.