Verstappen Racing snaps up McLaren junior for driver academy

Max Verstappen has made a significant move away from the Formula 1 cockpit by welcoming his first junior driver into the Verstappen Racing family.

The four-time world champion’s eponymous outfit has signed highly rated Belgian youngster Dries Van Langendonck to his GT and simulator racing teams, marking the beginning of Verstappen's own driver development programme as he looks to help nurture the next generation of racing talent.

The partnership creates an intriguing link between two of Formula 1's biggest names, with the 15-year-old continuing as a member of McLaren's junior driver programme while also receiving support from Verstappen Racing.

Van Langendonck is already making waves in single-seaters. After stepping up from a hugely successful karting career, the Belgian has hit the ground running in British Formula 4, where he currently leads the 2026 championship after claiming four victories from the opening 15 races.

Verstappen backs rising Belgian prospect

Verstappen has made no secret of his admiration for the teenager's rapid rise through the ranks and believes the foundations are already in place for a future at the pinnacle of motorsport.

The Dutchman revealed that he and his management team will help guide Van Langendonck's development, with Verstappen Racing's professional simulator programme playing a central role in that process as the youngster continues his climb towards Formula 1.

“I am impressed by the steep progress that Dries has made during his career and the talent he has shown both in karting and in his first steps in open formula racing,” said the F1 star.

“After getting to know Dries and his family, I’m convinced that all the signs for becoming a great future driver are there. Therefore, my management team and I will, with the simulator support of Verstappen Racing Pro Simulation, assist Dries to reach the ultimate goal of Formula 1.”

Before arriving in single-seaters, Van Langendonck established himself as one of Europe's standout karting prospects by collecting seven championship titles, earning a reputation as one of Belgium's brightest young talents.

Van Langendonck embraces 'amazing' opportunity

For the teenager, joining forces with one of Formula 1's biggest stars represents another major milestone in a career that is gathering momentum at remarkable speed.

“Verstappen Racing provides the support to take me to the next level in my career and marks an important step on my path to Formula 1 as the ultimate goal,” Van Langendonck said.

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Learning from Verstappen himself is another aspect the young Belgian is eager to embrace.

“To be able to learn from such an experienced driver as Max and to have the support of his professional management team, alongside that of McLaren Racing, is really amazing,” the young gun added.

“I am very thankful. I will keep pushing to maximise my performances while doing what I like best: racing.”

The announcement also highlights Verstappen's growing ambitions beyond his own driving career.

While his future in Formula 1 continues to generate speculation, Verstappen Racing is steadily expanding its footprint, with Van Langendonck becoming the first young driver to benefit from the reigning champion's expertise, resources and guidance as he pursues the dream of one day reaching the Formula 1 grid.

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