Max Verstappen has signed McLaren junior driver Dries van Langendonck to his racing staff, marking the primary transfer by the four-time Method 1 world champion into driver growth.
The Crimson Bull driver’s Verstappen Racing squad will present “further help and steerage” to van Langendonck as he progresses by way of the junior ranks.
The 15-year-old joined McLaren’s driver growth programme in July 2024 recent from sealing the 2023 World Junior Karting title.
Having made the step into single-seater racing on the finish of final yr, taking pole and victory on his maiden weekend within the British Method 4 championship, the Belgian-born teenager is competing within the collection full-time in 2026. Van Langendonck presently leads the British F4 standings recent from a double victory at Zandvoort.
“I’m impressed by the steep progress that Dries has made throughout his profession and the expertise he has proven each in karting and in his first steps in open formulation racing,” Verstappen mentioned.
“After attending to know Dries and his household, I’m satisfied that every one the indicators for changing into a terrific future driver are there.
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing
Picture by: Simon Galloway / LAT Photographs through Getty Photographs
“Due to this fact, my administration staff and I’ll, with the simulator help of Verstappen Racing Professional Simulation, help Dries to succeed in the final word purpose of Method 1.”
Having arrange his personal GT and sim racing staff, this transfer is Verstappen’s first in junior driver administration as he continues to construct his pursuits outdoors of racing in F1.
“Verstappen Racing supplies the help to take me to the following degree in my profession and marks an necessary step on my path to Method 1 as the final word purpose,” van Langendonck mentioned.
“To have the ability to be taught from such an skilled driver as Max and to have the help of his skilled administration staff, alongside that of McLaren Racing, is basically wonderful. I’m very grateful. I’ll preserve pushing to maximise my performances whereas doing what I like finest: racing.”
The settlement additionally supplies a connection between Verstappen Racing and McLaren, with van Langendonck set to stay a part of the McLaren junior programme. Rumours just lately surfaced linking Verstappen to the Woking-based F1 staff, however talks had been believed to be centered on each events understanding their choices moderately than a severe transfer for the Dutch driver.
However with Verstappen nonetheless but to commit his future to Crimson Bull amid his frustration on the new technology of F1 vehicles, the information has sparked recent intrigue between the Dutch driver and McLaren.
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