Max Verstappen’s passion for motorsport extends beyond the real world to the digital realm, where his commitment to sim racing has earned praise from fellow driver Gabriel Bortoleto. The young Brazilian racer, currently in his rookie Formula 1 season, recognizes Verstappen as a trailblazer who has helped bring sim racing into the spotlight within the F1 community.
As a four-time Formula 1 World Champion, Verstappen balances competing at the highest level with a dedication to sim racing, making him one of the first elite drivers to embrace and promote the virtual side of motorsport. Through his livestreams and enthusiasm, he has played a key role in increasing the popularity of sim racing among professional drivers and fans alike.
Bortoleto Recognizes Verstappen’s Impact on Sim Racing
Gabriel Bortoleto, who shares a close connection with Verstappen both on and off the track, highlighted the Dutchman’s pioneering role during an appearance on the Beyond the Grid podcast. He emphasized how Verstappen was among the first Formula 1 drivers to take sim racing seriously, a commitment that Bortoleto believes will influence the sport’s future.
“Verstappen has been a pioneer in taking sim racing seriously. I’m sure that in 10 years, all the drivers will be geeks talking about sim racing.”
– Gabriel Bortoleto, Sim Racing Mate
“Max with the sim, I think, he was the first real driver to get the sim thing very serious; even if nowadays in grid there is still I think 90% of the grid doesn’t do sim at home, but they do a lot in the factory. But they don’t do at home, but I don’t know, I’m quite sure in 10 years you will see drivers here sitting that there are going to be nerds talking about sim and playing the whole day at home because that’s what they grow up with.”
– Gabriel Bortoleto, Sim Racing Mate
Bortoleto’s reflections point to a future where sim racing becomes an integral part of drivers’ training and lifestyle. Currently, many drivers practice virtually primarily at their teams’ facilities rather than at home, but Verstappen’s example may inspire the next generation to adopt sim racing more fully as part of their routine.
Bortoleto’s Admiration for Verstappen as a Role Model
Although Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna remains a significant inspiration for Bortoleto, the young F1 driver often refers to Max Verstappen as his “living idol.” In an interview with Viaplay, Bortoleto expressed his respect for Verstappen’s aggressive and groundbreaking style that has reshaped Formula 1.
“Max [Verstappen] has been my idol alive. You know, Senna obviously has been the guy, but I’ve never seen him racing. But Max has been the young guy that’s breaking the system completely. Young in Formula 1, and aggressive, winning races.”
– Gabriel Bortoleto, F1 Rookie
Bortoleto’s admiration carries extra significance given his own challenges during his debut year. After failing to score points in his first 10 races, he broke through at the Austrian Grand Prix by qualifying inside the top ten and earning his first F1 points. His continued performance, with multiple top-10 finishes since, reflects his steady development as a competitive driver in the Red Bull camp.
Friendship and Shared Moments in the Paddock
Outside the racetrack, Verstappen and Bortoleto are frequently seen enjoying their time together in the paddock, a bond strengthened by their mutual passion for sim racing and motorsport. Their camaraderie highlights how sim racing serves not only as a training tool but also as a connecting thread among drivers across the paddock.
The Growing Role of Sim Racing in Formula 1
Verstappen’s early embrace of sim racing has set a precedent for other drivers and teams, who are increasingly recognizing the benefits of virtual practice in improving skills, strategy, and race preparation. As technology advances and the competitive sim racing scene grows, Bortoleto’s belief that future drivers will immerse themselves in sim racing culture is likely to become a reality, signaling a shift in how young talents prepare for the sport.
Gabriel Bortoleto Max Verstappen’s relationship underscores the blending of traditional motorsport with modern technology, shaping the future of racing where physical skill and virtual expertise go hand in hand.
