WATCH: Verstappen breaks iRacing world record

Max Verstappen is gearing up for what promises to be a closely contested 2019 season, with Red Bull and Ferrari doing their utmost to catch up to the might of Mercedes.

Both Red Bull and Ferrari have made significant changes in terms of personnel for next season, with Red Bull bringing in Gasly for Ricciardo and Ferrari getting Leclerc for Kimi.

Ferrari have also had a change in their strategic department, with Binotto replacing Arrivabene.

Red Bull have largely the same strategic team in place, but they have a different engine sitting at the back of their car.

Red Bull says Honda giving it 'party mode' for the first time #F1https://t.co/wlnElWqkST

— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) January 8, 2019

All of this makes for a very watchable and exciting 2019 season, but before the grind begins, before Max has to go through another gruelling season, he is trying his hand at iRacing.

Well, ‘trying his hand’ will be a massive understatement here, as he has just broken the iRacing world record.

So, while people think Max is a huge contender to become the F1 world champion in the next few years, he also has a good enough future in online racing.

Check out this brilliant lap from Max

Max Verstappen da record mondiale anche al simulatore ! https://t.co/Mp2sqBYuLL
iRacing #iRacing Max Verstappen Team Redline https://t.co/Mp2sqBYuLL

— Nicola Trivilino (@drivingitalia) January 8, 2019

Verstappen and Red Bull would currently be hoping that Honda is able to deliver what it has promised in the lead up to the 2019 season.

While Honda did hit a snag in the past week, it has discovered a new party mode for Red Bull, one that could put them at par with Ferrari and Mercedes.