Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen secured victory in the virtual 24 Hours of Nürburgring while simultaneously competing in the F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Let’s delve into the details of this extraordinary achievement.
Verstappen’s dual commitment involved physically racing for Red Bull at Imola in the Formula 1 race while simultaneously competing online for Team Redline in the virtual world. His ability to balance both endeavors was made possible by a new simulator rig that he took with him to European F1 rounds.
🚨 Max Verstappen's team WON the virtual 24 Hours of Nürburgring!
Congratulations to @TeamRedlineSim 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/DoUH49aAPC
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) May 19, 2024
Verstappen’s sim racing team, Team Redline, participated in the iRacing VCO 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Alongside teammates Max Benecke and Chris Lulham, Verstappen piloted a GT3 car around the legendary Nordschleife circuit. The qualifying session was intense, with the top four teams separated by just a second—a remarkable feat considering the circuit’s 26-kilometer length.
Team Redline completed an impressive 173 laps of the virtual Nürburgring Nordschleife, with Verstappen himself contributing 31 laps. Their combined efforts secured victory, finishing 36 seconds ahead of their closest rivals. Verstappen’s ability to switch seamlessly between physical and virtual racing showcases his exceptional skill and dedication to both disciplines.
Max Verstappen Leaves Hamilton Behind in Winning Percentage Record
Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen continues to rewrite the Formula 1 history books. His recent victory at the Imola Grand Prix not only secured crucial championship points but also propelled him to new heights in terms of winning percentage.
In a thrilling race at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Verstappen held off a fierce challenge from McLaren’s Lando Norris to claim victory. The Dutch driver’s win percentage for the 2024 season now stands at an impressive 86.35%. This remarkable statistic surpasses the previous record held by Alberto Ascari from 1952, who had a winning percentage of 75% that year.
With this latest triumph, Verstappen has left his championship rival, Lewis Hamilton, trailing in terms of winning percentage. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has a career win percentage of approximately 34%. Verstappen’s surge in form has shifted the dynamics of the championship battle, and the young Dutchman is determined to maintain his momentum throughout the season.
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton Apologizes to Max Verstappen After Collision Sparks Anger in 3-Time World Champion