Max Verstappen has attracted another talent for his racing team Verstappen Racing: the Belgian Dries van Langendonck. The four-time world champion is thus taking care of the driver development of a young talent for the first time. The fifteen-year-old Van Langendonck was already part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme and will remain so during the collaboration with Verstappen Racing.
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Dries van Langendonck became world champion in karting in 2023 and joined McLaren’s Driver Development Programme in July 2024. The new deal with Verstappen Racing ensures that the young driver receives ‘extra support and guidance from Max Verstappen and his management team’ in his rise through the junior racing classes. Van Langendonck made his debut in 2025 in Formula 4 for Rodin Motorsport.
Verstappen himself explains why he is taking care of the young driver. “I am impressed by the rapid development Dries has made during his career and the talent he has shown, both in karting and during his first steps in the open formula classes,” he tells Verstappen.com. “After getting to know Dries and his family, I am convinced that he has all the potential to become a great driver in the future. That is why my management team and I, with the simulator support of Verstappen Racing Pro Simulation, will help Dries achieve his ultimate goal, Formula 1.”
‘Very grateful’
Van Langendonck is also happy with the announced collaboration. “Verstappen Racing offers the support I need to take my career to the next level and is an important step on the way to Formula 1, my ultimate goal,” says the Belgian driver. “It is great 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. I am very grateful. I will keep pushing to perform at my best while doing what I love most: racing.”
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