Max Verstappen’s racing organisation, Verstappen Racing, has announced a collaboration with McLaren junior driver Dries van Langendonck. The 15-year-old Belgian will receive additional support and guidance from Verstappen’s team while remaining part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme. This marks Verstappen’s initial venture into junior driver management.
Van Langendonck, a former karting world champion, has shown rapid progression in single-seater racing. He secured the 2023 World Junior Karting title before making his British F4 debut at the close of the 2025 season, where he achieved a pole position and a victory.
Earlier this year, Van Langendonck dominated the Formula Winter Series, clinching the title with nine wins across fifteen races held in Portugal and Spain. He is currently competing in his first full British F4 campaign.
Verstappen Racing, which also competes in GT3 and sim racing, will provide simulator support through its Verstappen Racing Pro Simulation facility. This professional training environment offers state-of-the-art simulator domes for various racing categories, from F4 to F1.
Max Verstappen expressed his confidence in the young driver’s potential. ‘I’m impressed by the steep progress that Dries has made during his career and the talent he has shown both in karting and in his first steps in open formula racing,’ Verstappen stated.
‘After getting to know Dries and his family, I’m convinced that all the signs for becoming a great future driver are there. Therefore, my management team and I will, with the simulator support of Verstappen Racing Pro Simulation, assist Dries to reach the ultimate goal of Formula 1.’
Dries van Langendonck acknowledged the significance of this dual support. ‘Verstappen Racing provides the support to take me to the next level in my career and marks an important step on my path to Formula 1, as the ultimate goal,’ he commented.
He added, ‘To be able to learn from such an experienced driver as Max and to have the support of his professional management team, alongside that of McLaren Racing, is really amazing. I am very grateful. I will keep pushing to maximise my performances while doing what I like best: racing.’
Van Langendonck currently leads the 2026 British F4 standings with 179 points after Round 5, driving for Rodin Motorsport. He recently secured a double victory at Circuit Zandvoort.
The McLaren Driver Development Programme, led by Chief Business Affairs Officer Alessandro Alunni Bravi, aims to guide talent towards Formula 1, IndyCar, and the team’s upcoming World Endurance Championship entry. The 2026 roster includes nine drivers.
Other members of the 2026 McLaren DDP include Christian Costoya, Matteo De Palo, Leonardo Fornaroli, Ella Häkkinen, Ella Lloyd, Pato O’Ward, Ella Stevens, and Richard Verschoor. McLaren also recently signed 11-year-old karter Harry Williams in April 2026.
This collaboration occurs amidst ongoing speculation linking Max Verstappen to a potential future move to McLaren. However, his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, has indicated that Verstappen intends to honour his current Red Bull contract.
