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MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – MAY 23: Race winner Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing is congratulated by his girlfriend Kelly Piquet in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 23, 2021 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Sebastian Nogier – Pool/Getty Images)
via Getty
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – MAY 23: Race winner Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing is congratulated by his girlfriend Kelly Piquet in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 23, 2021 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Sebastian Nogier – Pool/Getty Images)
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a grueling endurance race that tests the limits of both man & machine, and is considered one of the most difficult races in the world, if not the most difficult. Now, after winning the F1 championship twice, Max Verstappen has set his sights on Le Mans, but the catch is that he wants to win it virtually this weekend.
In a conversation with the Washington Post, the two-time F1 world champion discussed different aspects of participating in Le Mans. But on a lighter note, he revealed where he likes to keep his simulator, and in his answer, he has shown great consideration and signs of compatibility with his long-time girlfriend, Kelly Piquet.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – May 29, 2022 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen with his partner, Kelly Piquet, after finishing the race in third place Pool via REUTERS/Christian Bruna
When asked how and where he likes to keep his simulator, and if it’s in a bedroom like the case is with several other drivers, Max quipped, “The bedroom? I don’t think the girlfriend would appreciate that! Especially since you have late nights talking to your team members — and I definitely don’t think she’d appreciate that. But here in Monaco, the living room is perfect for me.”
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Max has been competing in the virtual Le Mans since its inception in 2020. One might think that by competing virtually, it’d be easier to compete and win, but the Dutchman believes the simulators to be tricky to adapt despite the fact that he thinks they’re nearly 90% similar to an actual racing car now.
Why does Max Verstappen race in Le Mans?
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Le Mans is held annually at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France, and is considered one of the most prestigious motorsports events in the world. The circuit itself is also incredibly challenging, with a mix of high-speed straights and tight, technical corners.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Mexico City Grand Prix – Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City, Mexico – October 30, 2022 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium after winning the race and setting a new F1 record of 14 grand prix wins in a season REUTERS/Edgard Garrido
Verstappen is the one driver you can always vouch for as someone who loves competition. And when asked why he wants to race in Le Mans, his answer speaks for itself. He said, “Well, I love endurance racing in general, I love the track, and I just like good competition. A lot of great teams are participating, so all of that comes together to make this a very fun race for me.”
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WATCH THIS STORY: Charles Leclerc Gets Into Heated Debated With Max Verstappen Fan Over Dinner Time Conversation
Max winning Le Mans this time may or may not happen, but given his stature, it is bound to happen sometime in the future. And when he does manage to win it, maybe we can see him hopping into the real car as well.
