Max Verstappen feels that sim racing can be an extremely viable alternative avenue to karting for motorsport hopefuls

But Formula One world champion Max Verstappen sees untapped potential in the virtual world. Sim racing is more than a video game; it’s a career path in the competitive esports world filled with championships,

The reigning world champion’s design is instantly recognisable and has been updated in 2025 to feature a fourth star on the back, commemorating Verstappen’s fourth successive Driver’s Championship crown. The new helmet is complete with Dutch colours and a large print of the 27-year-old’s lion logo on the top.

It's not actually true that four-time F1 champ Max Verstappen has a racing sim rig in his private plane. But he is a serious racing sim aficionado to the extent of having one in his motorhome at European F1 races and generating controversy over his late-night sim racing antics before actual F1 races.

Silverstone hosted two launch events this week. Williams was the other — perhaps not as tantalizing as hearing from the defending champs, but fascinating nonetheless as the team debuted arguably its strongest driver duo in years — Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon.