Can sim drivers make the shift to F1? Max Verstappen thinks so

Motorsports have traditionally required significant financial investment, with young drivers often having to spend large sums of money just to enter the world of karting. Max Verstappen, a four-time Formula One champion, is well aware of this reality. However, he envisions a way to revolutionize the industry through sim racing, a virtual form of car racing that closely mirrors real-world competition.

This concept may not be as far-fetched as it initially seems. Sim racing has evolved into a legitimate platform for showcasing talent, with intricate setups and tire management strategies, all without the prohibitive cost barrier. Verstappen, who is an avid sim racer himself, believes that top virtual drivers should be given opportunities to transition into real-life racing.

Verstappen’s ultimate goal, as revealed to The Athletic, is to establish a racing team that enables elite sim racers to make the leap to professional racing without facing the traditional financial obstacles. While sim drivers may lack experience in handling G-forces, Verstappen is confident that with proper training and coaching, this gap can be bridged. He attests to the fact that sim racing has enhanced his own driving skills, and vice versa.

In Verstappen’s words to the outlet, “Everyone tends to view sim racing as just a game or a casual activity, but I can attest that the level of competition is just as intense, if not more so, than real-life racing.”