mobile app bar

Max Verstappen has laid out his sim racing rig as per Kelly Piquet

Somin Bhattacharjee
Published

"I don't think Kelly Piquet would appreciate that": Max Verstappen talks about his sim-racing set up for virtual Le Mans

Max Verstappen is arguably the most in-form driver in F1 right now. The Dutch driver won two back-to-back World Championships and has already surpassed the numbers of Fernando Alonso’s legendary racing career at the young age of 25.

Other than competing in F1, Verstappen is a huge fan of virtual racing. Over the last few years, we’ve seen him compete in several online racing tournaments like the Le Mans. He even races for an esports team known as Team Redline, who he will once again represent at the upcoming virtual Le Mans tournament.

We’ve often heard about Verstappen and his love for his sim racing setup which team Redline’s owner said, no one else is allowed to touch. In an interview with The Washington Post, the Dutchman spoke about the upcoming tournament and the setup where he practices.

“I don’t really have a lot of free time anymore,” he admitted. “To compete in big sim races, but this one is very important to me and the team. And we’re hoping for a great weekend to bring home the win.”

Also read: “Just say you don’t like me”: Carlos Sainz had hard time to list 3 things why he likes Charles Leclerc

Max Verstappen doesn’t want to disturb Kelly Piquet by sim-racing in the bedroom

Verstappen revealed that every driver approaches a sim race differently which means that they all have very different setups. However, when the reporter asked if he would place it in his bedroom, living room, or office, he immediately discarded the first option.

“The bedroom? I don’t think the girlfriend would appreciate that!” he said. “Especially since you have late nights talking to your team members. And I definitely don’t think she’d appreciate that. But here in Monaco, the living room is perfect for me.”

Verstappen also admitted that he does not let anyone get within 10 m of his set up on race days. He has two cats at home who sometimes disturb him during his practice sessions, and also mentioned how his girlfriend Kelly Piquet’s daughter keeps tapping him on the shoulder.

“On race day, I make sure no one is interfering,” he added. “I close the doors and no one is allowed within 10 meters of my simulator.”

Also read: Lori Harvey once hooked up with Lewis Hamilton to move on from her disloyal boyfriend

    About the author

    Somin Bhattacharjee

    Somin Bhattacharjee

    x-iconinstagram-iconlinkedin-icon

    Formula 1 Editor Somin Bhattacharjee fell for the sport as well as Fernando Alonso on the same day — during the Spaniard’s thrilling victory at the German GP in 2010. Over the years, the passion magnified manyfold, and metamorphosed into a writing career in 2021. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. He has penned over 2,700 articles for TheSportsRush, presenting a diverse range — news reports, opinions, and exclusives. A true Tiffosi, Somin never gives up on a chance to defend the Ferrari boys as a fan. As a sports writer though, he remains objective to the core and relishes opportunities to follow and engage in dissecting the action during races. That’s where the real thrill lies for him. Beyond the racetrack, Somin plays different sports including soccer. He enjoys exploring other sporting events and proudly supports Spanish soccer club Real Madrid.

    Share this article