Max Verstappen is convinced that Dries van Langendonck has the qualities to reach F1. The four-time world champion explains why he decided to integrate him into Verstappen Racing.
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Max Verstappen does not hide his enthusiasm when he talks about Dries van Langendonck. The four-time Formula 1 world champion recently integrated the young Belgian into his Verstappen Racing structure and believes he has the potential necessary to one day reach the top category.
Born 15 years ago in Hasselt, Verstappen’s hometown, van Langendonck is already considered one of the greatest hopes in motorsport. A member of McLaren’s development program, he is currently competing in the British Formula 4 championship under the colors of Rodin Motorsport.
After moving from karting to single-seaters only in 2025, the young driver quickly impressed. Winner of the Formula Winter Series at the start of the season, he also leads the British F4 championship thanks to four wins in eighteen races.
Verstappen sees him as a genuine F1 candidate
For Max Verstappen, this recruitment is no coincidence. The Dutchman explains that he only commits to a young driver when he is truly convinced of their potential.
“In the end, when I see real potential in someone, and their dream is to reach Formula 1, then if I am convinced they can make it, I invest fully.”
The Red Bull driver insists that his choice has nothing to do with Belgian origins or the common language.
“It’s not because we speak the same language. It’s simply because, from a very young age, he already showed something special. He was naturally fast and always at the front. Some drivers need less effort to be competitive: that is talent.”
Talent alone is not enough
Verstappen nevertheless reminds that natural talent does not guarantee a career at the highest level. According to him, it is essential to support this talent to provide the best conditions for progress.
“Talent does not always beat hard work. You have to find the right balance between natural qualities and all the support needed to exploit them.”
The four-time world champion also highlights the work done so far by the young Belgian’s family.
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“His parents have already given him excellent support with the means and knowledge they had. Now, we are entering a new stage.”
His goal is now to work closely with McLaren to help van Langendonck make the right decisions as he progresses.
“With the McLaren program, we want to ensure that he can one day join Formula 1 by making the right choices. It is essential that he always finds himself in a team capable of showcasing his talent.”
Progressing without rushing the steps
Beyond team choices, Verstappen especially wants to prepare the young driver for each new category.
“We just want to give him all the cards to succeed at each stage. Then, it will be up to him to seize the opportunities.”
The Red Bull driver also specifies that he personally follows many junior championships, even if he obviously cannot attend all the races.
“I watch a lot of competitions. And when I can’t be there, I can count on my father, Jos, as well as my manager Raymond Vermeulen. I have trusted people everywhere who can inform me.”
Despite all the confidence he places in his new protégé, Verstappen refuses to put excessive pressure on him.
“I especially don’t want to impose too many expectations on him. He is only 15 years old. We have to move step by step and, I hope, prepare him as best as possible to one day reach Formula 1.”
A message that perfectly illustrates the world champion’s philosophy: detect talents very early, while giving them time to grow before facing the demands of the highest level.
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