Max Verstappen has taken his first steps into driver development by throwing his support behind 15-year-old Belgian talent Dries van Langendonck, a McLaren junior driver who is already making waves in British Formula 4.
The four-time world champion confirmed ahead of last weekend's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps that his Verstappen Racing organisation will actively support van Langendonck's journey through the junior single-seater ranks, working alongside McLaren's existing driver development programme.
"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 told media at Spa. "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."
Van Langendonck joined the McLaren driver development programme in 2024 at just 13 years old, after winning the 2023 World Junior Karting Championship. He made the step up to single-seaters last season and immediately announced himself by becoming the youngest winner of a British Formula 4 race, triumphing on his debut at Donington Park. He also claimed the Formula Winter Series title before returning for a full British F4 campaign in 2026, where he currently leads the standings with four race wins.
The teenager was present at the Belgian Grand Prix with McLaren and spoke about what Verstappen's backing means for his career.
"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," van Langendonck said. "Verstappen Racing provides another layer of support and backing alongside McLaren, which will be important for my career."
He added that the arrangement gives him "access to additional resources and opportunities to continue developing as a driver, including extra simulator time at Max's simulator facility."
Van Langendonck's ultimate ambition is clear: to reach Formula 1 and become world champion. With backing from both a top F1 team and the sport's most dominant driver, his pathway has never looked more promising.
Sources
- https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/who-is-dries-van-langendonck-the-mclaren-junior-driver-signed-by-max-verstappen.64Gz7j4oPxbRJdyJzyqo2r
