This weekend promises to be an exciting one for racing fans as the Italian Grand Prix (GP) takes place alongside another thrilling event: the Nürburgring 24-hour race on iRacing. What makes it even more intriguing? Red Bull Racing’s star driver, Max Verstappen, will be participating in both events.
Ce week-end, en plus du GP d’Italie, Max Verstappen va aussi participer au Nurburgring 24h sur iRacing 🚀 pic.twitter.com/IwM6yIoY1v
— Red Bull France (@RedBullFrance) May 13, 2024
Max Verstappen’s decision to participate in the virtual Nürburgring 24h adds an exciting twist. While he’s accustomed to battling it out on real tracks, this time he’ll be navigating the challenging Nordschleife circuit from the comfort of his simulator.
Red Bull Racing’s announcement caught everyone by surprise. Verstappen will be shuttling between Monza and his sim rig during the weekend. How will he manage the physical demands of an F1 race followed by a grueling 24-hour sim race? It’s a unique challenge that showcases his versatility as a driver.
Verstappen’s schedule will be tight: qualifying sessions, race starts, pit stops, and strategy discussions await him in both worlds. Can he conquer the real and virtual circuits back-to-back? Fans are eagerly awaiting the answer.
Max Verstappen: A Different Approach to Parenting in Racing
Max Verstappen, the prodigious Dutch racing driver, has always been in the spotlight. His meteoric rise in Formula 1, his daring overtakes, and his fierce battles with rivals have captivated fans worldwide. But beyond the racetrack, there’s an interesting aspect of Verstappen’s life that sheds light on his parenting philosophy: his approach to his own son’s potential racing career.
Recently, Verstappen addressed a persistent rumor—that he was forced into racing by his parents. In an interview with M4 Sport, he clarified that this notion was nothing more than a “good story.” The truth? When Verstappen was just four years old, he watched a younger child drive a go-kart at the track while his father, Jos Verstappen, was racing. Max expressed his desire to race as well, but his father initially denied the request, believing he was too young. However, Max’s persistence paid off, and six months later, he finally received his own go-kart.
As Max Verstappen continues to chase world championships and redefine racing records, he remains grounded in his parenting philosophy. He doesn’t want to push his son or daughter into racing. Instead, he aims to strike a balance between his own career and enjoying life beyond the racetrack. Verstappen’s unique perspective challenges the traditional narrative, emphasizing that passion and choice are essential ingredients for success in any endeavor.
READ MORE: F1 CEO addresses the question of whether Italy will continue hosting races beyond 2026