Verstappen Counters Marko’s Sim Racing Ban Statement, Asserts Autonomy in Pre-Race Preparations

Max Verstappen challenges Helmut Marko's assertion regarding a prohibition on sim racing: 'I understand what's optimal for me'

"I'm not in a position to dictate their weekend personal activities, and the same applies to myself."

Max Verstappen has provided clarification on Helmut Marko's assertion that he is prohibited from participating in sim racing competitions prior to Formula 1 races.

Verstappen's involvement in an online 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps during the Hungarian Grand Prix attracted significant attention.

The driver from the Netherlands crossed the finish line in fifth place at the Hungaroring circuit, expressing his frustration through several terse messages to his team over the radio throughout the 70-lap event.

2016 Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg expressed doubts about Verstappen's choice to go to bed so late, disclosing that Verstappen had participated in a simulation race and only managed to get to sleep at 3am.

Before the Belgian Grand Prix, Marko announced that Verstappen would cease participating in races on the eve of an F1 grand prix.

On Thursday, at Spa, with Crash.net present in the paddock, Verstappen confirmed that he is not prohibited from participating in sim racing.

He mentioned, "We discussed it, and I assured him, 'There's no need for concern, there aren't any more races ahead'," he stated.

“However, it's not about imposing a restriction. I'm not required to dictate their activities during their personal time on weekends, and the same principle applies to myself.”

Verstappen persisted in supporting sim racing into the night, asserting that "this isn’t a novel concept."

The triple world title holder delivered an exceptional performance at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, even after participating in a virtual 24-hour race just the day prior.

"I competed until 3 in the morning – this isn't a novel activity for me, and it holds significant importance in my life," he continued. "There aren't any upcoming sim racing events, so there's no need for concern on that front. However, it's typically when you don't secure a win that criticisms arise, like 'You were up till 3am', or 'You're carrying an extra kilo.'"

Whenever you don't secure a victory in a race, there's always a plethora of reasons you could concoct to justify the loss. However, take Imola as a case in point, where I emerged victorious in not one, but both races. This isn't an unfamiliar territory for me; I've been experiencing success like this since 2015. Therefore, my approach and preparation remain unchanged.

"Having secured three world titles, I'm quite confident in my understanding of my capabilities. I tend to be my own toughest critic regarding what's possible and permissible. Given my extensive background in Formula 1, I believe I have a solid grasp on what works best."

Heading into the final race before the summer vacation, Verstappen holds a 76-point lead over Lando Norris.

Explore Further

Recent Updates

Recent Updates

Site Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Reproducing the content, whether partially or in its entirety, including text, photos, or illustrations, in any manner is strictly prohibited