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Max Verstappen Takes McLaren Prospect Under His Wing
Max Verstappen has announced a striking collaboration with 15-year-old Belgian Formula 4 driver Dries Van Langendonck, who is already part of the McLaren junior program.
By Lesley Bakker - 2026-07-17T09:41:03.000Z - 2 min read
Max Verstappen has taken a remarkable step by announcing a collaboration with Dries Van Langendonck, a 15-year-old Belgian prospect currently competing in British Formula 4. The move is especially intriguing given recent rumours linking Verstappen himself with a potential switch to McLaren, the team where Van Langendonck is already enrolled in the junior driver program.
Van Langendonck is widely regarded as a promising talent. Having established his credentials in karting as both a World and European champion, he carried that momentum straight into single-seaters by winning the Formula Winter Series. He continues to prove himself among the frontrunners in the current British Formula 4 season.
Under the banner of 'Verstappen Racing', the young Belgian will now receive additional guidance and support. Verstappen stated that he spotted Van Langendonck's talent early on, viewing him as someone who is 'a bit more special' than others. His objective is clear: to help Van Langendonck reach Formula 1 by guiding his career choices and offering simulator training.
This partnership marks a new expansion for Verstappen Racing, which until now has primarily supported sim racers, GT3 drivers such as Thierry Vermeulen, and Jos Verstappen in rallying. In targeting Van Langendonck, the initiative focuses for the first time specifically on a young driver whose sole ambition is Formula 1. It potentially signals a growing independence in Verstappen's racing activities outside of Red Bull Racing.
Although the initiative did not originate from McLaren and a family connection likely already existed, the British team appears satisfied with the arrangement. Van Langendonck stands to benefit from the added expertise and advanced simulator resources of Verstappen Racing. Verstappen even praised Van Langendonck's simulator skills, noting that at age 15 they are already exceptionally strong, even when compared to his own abilities at that age.