Max Verstappen Will Fit iRacing’s Nürburgring 24 Around His F1 Hobby

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.

With Verstappen flying out to Italy, especially for the weekend, he’ll have to rely on his mobile sim racing setup. We dread to think how tricky the logistics for hauling that around will be, but it clears any doubts about his commitment to esports.

Considering Verstappen has three Formula One world championships to his name alongside 58 wins from 191 race starts – including four of the six Grand Prix so far in 2024 – we do think he should consider taking it up as a full-time career. Even if that comes at the cost of his esports legacy.