Verstappen launches own racing team, supported by Red Bull

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Reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen has just added team owner to his credentials following the creation of Verstappen.com Racing that will compete in both the real and virtual worlds.

Verstappen has brought together under his new team's banner his long-standing association with Team Redline which will represent his outfit in eSports and a venture in the real-world of racing that will kick off with his father Jos taking part in the 2022 Belgian Rally Championship.

But Verstappen.com Racing will also support 20-year-old Dutch charger Thierry Vermeulen in the ADAC GT Masters series.

Red Bull will feature prominently on the machine's entered in both of the team's online and real-world events.

"Racing has always been my biggest passion in life, from the moment I first stepped into a go-kart until today," said Verstappen.

"Besides my own Formula 1 career, racing is what I dedicate most of my time to.

"I am truly happy that, with the Verstappen.com Racing team, I can share the love for racing with drivers and teams I feel closely connected to.

"Apart from the fun it brings me, I can also share my racing knowledge with them, which hopefully helps everybody to improve themselves."

Read also: 'No reason' to believe in 2022 title, for now - Verstappen

And the 21-time Grand Prix winner is obviously delighted to see his new venture benefit from the support of his F1 employer Red Bull.

"After agreeing upon a long-term deal with Red Bull Racing earlier this year, I am very happy to be part of the Red Bull family for many years to come," he explained.

"The close partnership with Red Bull as a company is also reflected in the fact that they are supporting the Verstappen.com Racing team for the coming years, which makes me very proud.

"I can't wait to get started and keep pushing flat out."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.