Imagine this: Max Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 champion, is planning his next home, and it's not just about luxury or location. He's envisioning a space specifically designed for a supercharged racing simulator!
During a chat on the 'Securing the Win' podcast, Verstappen revealed his plans to build his next house around a significantly upgraded sim rig. This ambition is fueled by the top-tier simulator setup he uses at Oracle Red Bull Racing's base in Milton Keynes.
For a driver of Verstappen's caliber, and for his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, time spent on the simulator is a crucial part of their routine. They spend countless hours honing their skills, experimenting with different car setups, and running race simulations.
But here's where it gets controversial: while some might see this as a necessary evil, Verstappen embraces it as a way to boost his performance. He acknowledges that even though it can sometimes be tedious, he understands the purpose behind it, and approaches it with professionalism.
Verstappen emphasizes that simulator time around a race weekend is "super important." He explains that unexpected changes in track conditions or unforeseen car issues can arise, making the simulator invaluable for preparation. It allows him to test different setups and get feedback, helping him and his team make informed decisions.
When asked how many hours he spends in the simulator, Verstappen playfully deflects the question, laughing that he doesn't want to count! He admits that even at home, he could track the time, but he never turns on the counter.
Verstappen is also a passionate sim racer outside of his F1 career. It's no surprise that he's interested in a home setup that can accommodate a more realistic rig.
"I think at Milton Keynes in terms of the platform and the movement, that is really, really important," he said. He added that he doesn't use that at home due to the noise and size constraints. But, he emphasizes the importance of accurate software.
He was asked if he’s considering a house where he could create such a machine. “Maybe not as big as the one in Milton Keynes, but it's something that I'm thinking about.”
Verstappen's commitment to sim racing goes beyond just practice. He's created Team Redline, a highly successful sim racing team, achieving major victories in prestigious events. He uses these experiences to sharpen his skills and help his team members transition into real-life racing careers.
And this is the part most people miss: Verstappen has long maintained that sim work directly translates to better performance in the real world. He proved this when he and his sim-racing teammate Chris Lulham won on his GT3 race debut at the Nürburgring Nordschleife earlier this year. Following this, Germany’s motorsport federation has changed its criteria to make it easier for sim racers to apply for a DMSB Permit Nordschleife license.
What are your thoughts? Do you think sim racing is a crucial part of a Formula 1 driver's training, or is it just a fun hobby? Share your opinions in the comments below!
