24-year-old Max Verstappen is already a two-time Formula 1 champion and is on his way to winning his 3rd. The Dutchman was the reason behind the fall of Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton. He is known for his incredible focus and ‘no mercy‘ driving style that is very reminiscent of F1 legend, Ayrton Senna.
He won his 1st WDC at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the last lap of the race. Even though the legitimacy of this title is questioned due to the FIA’s error, we can safely say that Verstappen’s second WDC was well deserved.
The Red Bull ended the 2022 season with 454 points, 146 points above runner-up Charles Leclerc. He won 15 races out of the 2022 races, was on the podium 17 times, and won the season with 4 races to spare after the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. Leclerc, on the other hand, got only 3 wins and had to fight to 2nd position by edging Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez.
How does Max Verstappen distract himself?
With life so hectic and demanding like Max Verstappen’s, we would guess that he would love to take a break from racing to unwind. But this could not be farther from the truth. According to The Express, the driver sat down with ex-Red Bull driver, David Coulthard to discuss the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit.
Coulthard asked the 2X champion how he prefers to unwind and Verstappen replied that he preferred to compete in sim racing. This surprised the ex-Red Bull driver, and he asked “More driving?.”
Verstappen further explained that he gains advantages from competing in online racing competitions and that it has enhanced his driving abilities. He said that he spends a lot of time on the setup and that it keeps him prepared to go. The Dutchman claims that he is not competing in a Formula One race in the simulator, but rather in a GT race, which calls for a different style of driving, and said that the sim drivers are really quick and that he tests himself often.
A look at Max Verstappen’s simulator setup costing more than $35,000
The Red Bull star is a frequent competitor with Team Redline and is one of several drivers who like bikes competing in online racing in his own time.
#HELMUT: “He (Max) has had his private jet converted so that he can also sim race in the air in the future.”
Max Verstappen everyone 🤣👏 pic.twitter.com/3s3oLFPMQx
— Verstappen News (@MV_Updates) January 25, 2023
Recently, Verstappen competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual, but he was forced to leave the race because of connectivity issues. Despite this setback, Verstappen is optimistic that participating in several motorsport disciplines online would help him when he returns to the real thing.
In the field of professional eSports, he is establishing a name for himself and regularly streams his gaming live. Verstappen’s simulator setup costs between $15,000 and $35,000 and includes a Playseat F1 Ultimate cockpit, a custom-made LM-Pro steering wheel by Precision Sim Engineering, and Heusinkveld Ultimate pedals.
If that wasn’t enough, Max boasts a setup with Leo Bodnar Sim Steering system, 4 x ultrawide Samsung G9 monitors, PC likely high-end Simlab rig, Bass shakers, and amp for track feedback under the seat/pedals, wind machines, and seatbelt tighteners.
Practice makes perfect. Let’s go for it in tonight’s #VCOProSim F3 race at Spa 🇧🇪 #KeepPushing pic.twitter.com/cZ1PDsM8ef
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) March 3, 2021
Verstappen also noted that there are some notable differences between virtual racing and Formula 1 and that transitioning from virtual racing to actual racing is challenging. His dedication to his profession is amazing and amazes fans. Where drivers like Hamilton are diversifying their interests, Verstappen remains focused on the sport and even uses it as a means to relax.