Verstappen to join Team Redline gaming stream during Barcelona test week
Max Verstappen will participate in a Team Redline gaming stream while at the F1 pre-season test in Barcelona, highlighting the blend of real-world testing and sim racing engagement for modern drivers. The stream follows his first laps in the new Red Bull and a disrupted schedule due to a crash for reserve driver Isack Hadjar.
Max Verstappen will swap the cockpit of his Red Bull RB22 for a virtual one this evening, joining a Team Redline gaming stream while on-site for Formula 1 pre-season testing in Barcelona. The four-time world champion's scheduled appearance highlights a modern driver's blend of on-track preparation and off-track engagement during a critical testing period.
Why it matters:
In the high-pressure environment of pre-season testing, where every lap of data is crucial, a top driver's downtime activities offer a glimpse into modern Formula 1 culture. Verstappen's participation in sim racing during a test week underscores the close link between real-world driving and esports for the current generation of drivers, while also serving as a strategic mental break from the physical demands of testing.
The details:
- Verstappen completed his first runs in the 2025 Red Bull on Tuesday at a wet Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, sharing duties with Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar.
- Hadjar's crash during the afternoon session, which brought out a red flag, impacted the team's run plan and may have altered Verstappen's remaining track time for the week.
- The confirmed gaming stream, organized by Verstappen's long-time sim racing team, will feature the Dutchman playing EA FC 26 with fellow sim racers Jarno Opmeer, Bono Huis, and Luke Crane.
- The broadcast is scheduled to begin at 18:00 CET (17:00 GMT) on Wednesday.
What's next:
Verstappen is expected to return to physical testing duties in Barcelona following the gaming session, with teams continuing to gather vital data ahead of the new season. The incident with Hadjar's car will require assessment by Red Bull's mechanics, potentially influencing the workload and schedule for the remainder of the test. The stream itself represents a continued trend of drivers maintaining a public, engaged profile with fans through digital platforms, even during official team commitments.