BREAKING NEWS:❗Max Verstappen's rival 'asks to jump on his....

Verstappen’s Former F1 Colleague Nyck de Vries Seeks Help with Simulator Practice Ahead of Super Formula Debut

Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s reigning Formula 1 champion, has always been known for his intense commitment to motorsport, even during his downtime. Recently, the Dutch driver received an unusual request from a former colleague, Nyck de Vries, ahead of a crucial race in the Super Formula series in Asia. The request, however, highlighted the camaraderie between the two drivers, as well as the relentless pursuit of excellence that characterizes elite motorsport.

While preparing for his home race at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Verstappen was contacted by de Vries, a former Red Bull junior and F1 driver, who sought an opportunity to use Verstappen’s home-based racing simulator. De Vries, who had just secured a drive in the Super Formula series following his unexpected dismissal from AlphaTauri, was looking to familiarize himself with the Motegi circuit, where he was set to make his debut.

Verstappen, who is known for his state-of-the-art sim racing setup in his Monaco residence, revealed the story to the media. “It was actually quite funny because he asked me if he could jump on my simulator quickly to do a few laps around Motegi,” Verstappen shared. Unfortunately for de Vries, Verstappen was not at home at the time, rendering the request impossible to fulfill. “Otherwise, I would have set it up for him,” the three-time world champion added, underscoring the friendly rapport between the two Dutch drivers.

Despite being unable to assist de Vries with his request, Verstappen expressed his strong support for his friend’s new venture in Super Formula. The series, which features high-performance single-seater cars that many liken to Formula 1, presents a significant challenge for any driver, especially one transitioning from the F1 scene. Verstappen acknowledged the steep learning curve but remained optimistic about de Vries’ prospects. “It’s exciting, I’ve never driven the car myself, but they look amazing to drive. It’s very, very different and a big learning curve for him as well.”

The Red Bull star was emphatic in his encouragement for de Vries, recognizing the talent and dedication that his compatriot brings to the table. “I’m looking forward to see how he does in the championship. He’s a good friend of mine, he deserves it, and I wish him all the best.”

De Vries’ request to Verstappen for simulator practice underscores the Dutchman’s determination to succeed after a tumultuous stint in Formula 1. His journey to Super Formula comes after a brief and challenging period with AlphaTauri, where he was let go after just 10 races. Despite the setback, de Vries has continued to pursue his racing career with vigor, now turning his attention to the competitive world of Super Formula.

In his debut race at the Motegi circuit, de Vries finished 13th, a respectable result given the short preparation time and unfamiliarity with the car. His focus now shifts to the double-header at Fuji in October, where he will aim to build on his experience and deliver stronger performances.

Max Verstappen, a driver known for his relentless pursuit of excellence, also reflected on the nature of the racing world. Speaking about de Vries’ situation, Verstappen noted the often brutal reality of motorsport. “Unfortunately, that’s also how this world works,” he commented, referring to de Vries’ departure from AlphaTauri. However, he stressed that opportunities extend beyond Formula 1, and de Vries’ move to Super Formula is a testament to the resilience required to thrive in motorsport.

The relationship between Max Verstappen and Nyck de Vries highlights the tight-knit community within Formula 1 and motorsport at large. Despite the intense competition on the track, there remains a mutual respect and camaraderie among drivers. De Vries’ determination to continue his career in Super Formula, coupled with Verstappen’s unwavering support, serves as a reminder of the passion that drives these athletes to succeed, regardless of the challenges they face.