Verstappen impressed by the young talent
Waiting for the first official tests of the Belgian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen announced that he will take to the track at Spa-Francorchamps with the livery of his helmet ‘Orange Lion’, but not only that: the four-time world champion has officially announced the entry into his team Verstappen Racing of the 15-year-old Belgian Dries van Langendonck.
The achievements
Very young talent and winner of the 2024 CIK-FIA European Karting Championship, Van Langendonck made his debut last year with single-seaters, winning the 2026 Winter Series title, all while leading the British Formula 4: “I was impressed by the rapid progress Dries has made during his career and the talent he has shown both in karting and in his first steps in single-seaters – said Verstappen – after meeting Dries and his family, I am convinced he has all the credentials to become a great driver of the future. Therefore, my management team and I, with the support of the Verstappen Racing Pro Simulation simulator, will help Dries reach the ultimate goal of Formula 1.”
Verstappen and McLaren
What cannot go unnoticed, however, is another ‘detail’, especially at this moment of high tension between Verstappen and Red Bull regarding the Dutch driver’s future: Van Langendonck is also a member of the McLaren Young Driver Programme. Despite Verstappen’s signing, the Belgian will continue both in his team and in the Woking team.
“Verstappen Racing offers me the necessary support to reach the next level in my career and represents an important step in my path towards Formula 1, the ultimate goal – added the British F4 prospect – being able to learn from an experienced driver like Max and having the support of his management team, as well as McLaren Racing, is truly incredible. I am very grateful. I will continue to work hard to improve my performance, doing what I love most: racing.”
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