Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.
Team Redline have joked they won’t stop Max Verstappen from doing his “hobby” of F1 racing as the Dutchman left the 24 Hours of Nurburgring sim race to line up on pole position at F1’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Verstappen has taken the complaints about busy Grand Prix weekends to another level at Imola. The Dutchman seamlessly combined his Formula 1 commitment for Red Bull with his passion for sim racing with Team Redline.
‘We’re very supportive, we’re never going to hold people back’
Verstappen seamlessly transitioned between the real-world racing and sim racing realms over the weekend, as he took part in the IRacing series’ 24 Hours of Nurburgring on Saturday and returned to physical racing on Sunday.
In an interview with De Telegraapf before the upcoming hectic 24 hours, he mentioned that there would be a total of “four of us occupying” the car. He anticipates taking on two driving sessions lasting approximately two to four hours each.
He added, “In order to start Sunday well-rested, I need to make sure I go to bed on time and get enough hours of sleep.”
However, he didn’t believe it was necessary to seek permission from Red Bull. Similarly, he didn’t consult his fellow racers and simply informed them on Sunday morning that he would be bidding farewell.
Verstappen: I have to go.
TR: What do you have to do today? WTF, it’s Sunday!
Verstappen: Yeah, exactly
Team Redline playfully teased the reigning F1 World Champion by granting him the freedom to pursue his “hobby” of F1 racing.
Luke Crane of Team Redline stated that their team enables him to express himself in F1. They permitted him to participate in Imola because they possess such qualities as a team.
“We are fully supportive of our drivers pursuing their hobbies and have no intention of hindering them. We believe in empowering our drivers and encouraging their personal growth.”
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Verstappen can take solace in the fact that his team was in the lead when he left the race.
Esteban Ocon eagerly inquired about the outcome as he approached the paddock, with even his fellow F1 drivers being curious to know if he had emerged victorious.
“We’re leading it,” Verstappen replied.
Verstappen is eager to secure another win this Sunday as he takes his position on the Imola grid, ahead of Lando Norris.
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