Success in Formula 1 is not just gained on the racetrack, with drivers spending hours and hours in the gym and in simulators take make themselves the best versions of themselves possible.
Two-time world champion Max Verstappen is a particular fan of simulator work, recently claiming that he would rather complete all of the work himself, rather than the team delegating it to new third driver Daniel Ricciardo.
Red Bull’s chief advisor Helmut Marko has recently made a slightly strange claim about the Dutchman, telling reporters the Verstappen is in the process of installing a simulator rig in his private jet.
The 25-year-old has been quick to reject Marko’s claims, suggesting that he has got himself slightly confused about his actual plans.
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“I was talking to him last year and I think he misunderstood,” he said via Speedcafe.com.
“I’m building a new motorhome for travelling to Europe with the F1 races and I said I would install one there because I can just keep driving when I’m back in the evening because I like it.
“It’s my hobby in a way and it just keeps you sharp as well, so I think he misunderstood and he said plane.
“So no, I’m not installing one in my plane. That would be a bit absurd.”
Verstappen has been a major part of the online sim racing scene for a number of years now, taking part in the virtual 24 hours of Le Mans race every year since its debut.
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The most recent edition of this race ended in disaster for Verstappen and his Team Redline squad, as the Dutchman was disconnected from the race while in the lead, with his team in particular being plagued by a number of server issues.
Having cleared up the fact that he will not be sim racing while soaring 30,000 feet up in the air, Verstappen’s passion for the simulator may not be as bizarre as it once seemed.
With the Dutchman preferring to complete his simulator work himself, it remains to be seen exactly what Daniel Ricciardo will do during his time with the team, having hoped to rebuild his confidence while taking some of the load off of the team.