Max Verstappen is a big name in the world of esports. The 26-year-old Dutchman has forged a career as one of the hottest talents in iRacing, recently taking a win in the simulator’s 24 Hours of Daytona. He will once again be competing this weekend at the virtual Nürburgring 24 Hours, but has confirmed he’ll find time around the event to indulge in a hobby of his – Formula One.
With the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix taking place at Italy’s Imola Circuit this weekend, Verstappen may find his usual iRacing preparations disrupted. As well as partaking in two practice sessions today, 17th May, he’ll also be required for another on Saturday ahead of qualifying in the afternoon and the small matter of the Grand Prix itself on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Team Redline, the outfit Verstappen competes for in iRacing, will be streaming its split from the virtual ‘Ring from 1:45pm UK time on Saturday, presumably with the race starting at 3pm after a qualifying session.
The distraction of Formula One qualifying at 4pm will rule Verstappen out for the first stint of the race, and it’s unclear at what time he’ll take to the helm of the BMW M4 GT3. We’ll assume his first stint to be a late-night one – Redline will hope Verstappen’s indulgence with F1 won’t leave him too tired to perform – and another before he scurries away for Sunday’s cruise around Imola.
