Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has taken his first step into driver development, announcing his support for 15-year-old McLaren junior Dries Van Langendonck ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.
The Dutchman's Verstappen Racing squad will actively support the Belgian teenager's single-seater career alongside McLaren's existing development programme, marking the first time the reigning champion has invested in a young driver's pathway to F1.
Van Langendonck, who joined McLaren's driver development programme in 2024 after winning the 2023 World Junior Karting title, already boasts an impressive resume in single-seaters. The 15-year-old became the youngest winner of a British Formula 4 race when he triumphed on his series debut at Donington Park last season. He also claimed the Formula Winter Series title before embarking on a full British F4 campaign in 2026, where he currently leads the championship standings after four race wins.
Speaking ahead of last weekend's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, Verstappen explained why he chose to back Van Langendonck.
"Dries has been a big talent for a long time already in karting and I think you can spot quite quickly when someone is a little bit more special than someone else," Verstappen said. "I think that has carried on with what he is doing in F4 and that's why I think it's very exciting to try and help him, guide him, of course hand-in-hand from McLaren's side as well, to make the right decisions for his future."
"He wants to get to F1 and I'm just trying to make sure that will happen in the future. It's an exciting project to be part of."
Van Langendonck was present at Spa during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend alongside McLaren, where the extent of Verstappen's interest became clear. The teenager welcomed the additional layer of support.
"Max Verstappen has always been an idol for me. Growing up in Belgium, there was a natural connection to him, but beyond that he's an incredible driver and someone I've always admired," said Van Langendonck.
"Verstappen Racing provides another layer of support and backing alongside McLaren, which will be important for my career. It gives me access to additional resources and opportunities to continue developing as a driver, including extra simulator time at Max's simulator facility."
Verstappen already runs successful GT and sim racing operations under the Verstappen Racing banner, but this represents his first direct involvement in nurturing a driver through the single-seater ranks towards Formula 1.
Sources
- https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/who-is-dries-van-langendonck-the-mclaren-junior-driver-signed-by-max-verstappen.64Gz7j4oPxbRJdyJzyqo2r
