Verstappen says 'no' to racing in virtual F1 grands prix

Max Verstappen will not compete in any esports competition running the official Formula 1 game.

When the F1 Virtual Bahrain Grand Prix was announced, fans instantly assumed both Red Bull star Verstappen and McLaren's Lando Norris would compete.

The two are known to frequent esports competitions and have even raced as teammates in several endurance events.

But Norris and Williams' rookie Nicolas Latifi were the only F1 drivers involved.

Despite F1 to continue with its virtual grand prix programme, Verstappen said: "No, I will not participate."

Verstappen told Ziggo Sports. "That is especially because I have never tried that game before. It takes days to understand it a little better, and I don't want to deal with it at the moment."

Verstappen is more familiar with a different simulator software and so will compete in other esports events after recently signing with the successful Team Redline.

"I also have my hands full with the other virtual races," added Verstappen.

"For me, it would not be the right thing to switch between games all the time. I always race to win, and I don't want to be at the back. I'd rather not race at all."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 Odds: Bad news for Lewis Hamilton as 2026 title race takes a new twist

• 58 minutes ago

Max Verstappen reveals bleak Red Bull diagnosis after Dutch Grand Prix disaster

• 2 hours ago

FIA responds to targeted online abuse after controversial F1 Dutch Grand Prix decisions

• Today 13:57

Adrian Newey's wife takes down Aston Martin critic with savage one-word response

• Today 12:27

Lewis Hamilton is 'a sweet, classy gentleman', Hollywood A-Lister gushes over F1 superstar

• Today 10:57

F1 drivers age: How old are Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen, Antonelli and co in 2026?

• Today 10:30