Max Verstappen backs Belgian teen Dries van Langendonck via Verstappen Racing

The Verstappen Racing team announced that it has signed 15‑year‑old Belgian driver Dries van Langendonck. Van Langendonck, a McLaren junior who currently leads the British Formula 4 championship, will receive additional support from Max Verstappen’s management, including career guidance, access to professional simulators and financial backing.

Verstappen praised the young driver’s rapid progress, saying he is “impressed by the steep progress” Van Langendonck has shown in karting and early open‑wheel racing. The partnership also involves Raymond Vermeulen, Verstappen’s manager, who visited McLaren’s hospitality suite at the Belgian Grand Prix to discuss the arrangement. The deal marks Verstappen’s first foray into mentoring a driver outside his own Red Bull network and aims to help the Belgian prospect reach Formula 1.

Van Langendonck expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from a four‑time world champion while remaining in the McLaren Driver Development Programme.