Verstappen's 2 AM Simracing Sessions Reveal All-Consuming Racing Passion
Max Verstappen revealed he wakes up at 2 AM to test racing ideas on his simulator, highlighting a passion that extends beyond F1 and fuels questions about his long-term future in the sport.
Max Verstappen's dedication to racing goes far beyond the track, with the four-time world champion revealing he sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night to test new ideas on his simulator. In a recent podcast, Verstappen explained that a racing thought can be so compelling he has to get out of bed at 2 AM to try it immediately. This obsessive approach highlights how he views motorsport not as a job, but as a constant mental challenge that he engages with at all hours.
Why it matters:
Verstappen's nocturnal simracing sessions offer a glimpse into the mindset that has made him a dominant force in Formula 1. It demonstrates a level of dedication and analytical thinking that extends far beyond scheduled team duties, suggesting his relentless pursuit of perfection is a 24/7 endeavor. This insight helps explain his ability to consistently extract performance from the car and adapt to different racing disciplines, from F1 to GT3.
The details:
- Midnight Oil: Verstappen stated that he will wake up in the middle of the night if a new racing idea comes to him, firing up his simulator as late as 2 AM to test it because he "can't just wait."
- Beyond F1: His passion isn't limited to F1. In 2025, he acquired his GT3 Nordschleife license and won an NLS race on his debut, showcasing his versatility across different motorsport categories.
- A Unified Passion: For Verstappen, simracing, GT cars, and endurance racing are all interconnected parts of his broader passion for motorsport, blurring the lines between his profession and his personal interests.
- Limited F1 Horizon: This wide-ranging interest coincides with his public statements about a shorter F1 career. He has repeatedly said he doesn't see himself racing into his 40s like Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton, noting that the grueling 24-race calendar is a significant factor.
What's next:
Verstappen's evolving priorities and diverse racing portfolio suggest his future in Formula 1 may be shorter than many expect. With his personal life with partner Kelly Piquet also taking on greater importance, the 28-year-old appears to be strategically planning a life beyond F1, one that still revolves around his core passion for competition. Fans should expect to see him continue to compete in other series like GT racing long after he potentially steps away from the F1 grid.