Max Verstappen, four-time Formula 1 World Champion, has announced exciting plans for his Verstappen.com Racing team in 2025. Known for his dominance on the F1 circuit and passionate involvement in other motorsport ventures, Verstappen is taking his racing program to new heights by blending top-tier talent, cutting-edge facilities, and bold strategies—all while continuing his commitment to fostering new talent.
A Groundbreaking Leap from Sim to Reality
Among the most innovative aspects of the 2025 program is the elevation of sim racing talent to real-world competition. Chris Lulham, one of Team Redline’s standout sim racers, has been handpicked by Verstappen to make this significant transition. Lulham will drive in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint and Endurance Cups for Verstappen.com Racing, partnering with returning teammate Thierry Vermeulen.
“It has always been my dream to support young drivers, and I’ve been working to create the possibility for a sim driver to progress to real-world racing,” said Verstappen. “With Chris Lulham stepping up from Team Redline sim racing to our GT3 Sprint and Endurance campaigns, teaming up with Thierry Vermeulen, we’re taking the next step. It’s great to bring a sim racer to compete against established drivers. I’m very excited for the year ahead!”
Lulham expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, saying, “It’s an unbelievable chance, and I can’t wait to make the most of it. The experience at a racetrack is so different, with a big team supporting you. The leap from sim to real-world racing has been smooth, and I’m ready to hit the ground running.”
Photo: Verstappen.com/David Klopman
GT3 Racing Expansion
Verstappen.com Racing’s GT3 program will expand its scope in 2025. Vermeulen and Lulham will race in the Emil Frey Racing-run Ferrari 296 GT3 for the Sprint Cup, competing at famous circuits such as Brands Hatch and Zandvoort. The team will also make its debut in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup alongside British driver Harry King.
The trio—Vermeulen, Lulham, and King—will drive an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo operated by 2 Seas Motorsport in the Endurance Cup. This includes high-profile events like the 24 Hours of Spa. King, noted for his success in Porsche Cup racing, said, “Joining Verstappen.com Racing in GT World Challenge Endurance felt like a perfect fit. I’m thrilled to work with Max and his team to make this project a success.”
Vermeulen, entering his third season in GTWC Sprint and second in DTM with Verstappen.com Racing, shared his excitement for the year ahead. “I’m looking forward to working with Chris and Harry this season. With Max as both a mentor and friend, his guidance has been invaluable. We’ve worked hard over the winter, and I’m confident we will achieve strong results.”
A New Era of Professional Training
Adding to its forward-looking vision, Verstappen.com Racing is launching the Verstappen.com Racing Pro Simulation, a state-of-the-art facility designed to train professional drivers in Formula and GT categories. Equipped with two 180-degree simulation domes, advanced data analysis, and expert coaching, the center offers an unparalleled training environment.
“It’s about preparing drivers at the highest level,” said Atze Kerkhof, who leads the team’s sim division. “With Max’s commitment to excellence, we’ve created a world-class resource to bridge the gap between virtual and real-world racing.”
Photo: Verstappen.com/David Klopman
Already a Force in Multiple Disciplines
Beyond GT3 racing, Verstappen.com Racing continues to excel in other motorsport arenas. Thierry Vermeulen will compete in the DTM series for the third consecutive year, driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 with Emil Frey Racing. Meanwhile, Jos Verstappen—Max’s father—will represent the rally division, contesting the Belgian Rally Championship and European Rally Championship in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2.
Team Redline, the sim racing arm of Verstappen.com Racing, remains a prominent force in esports, boasting multiple titles in 2024, including the ESL R1 Esports World Cup and the IndyCar iRacing Pro Series. With its excellence on both virtual and real tracks, the team reflects Verstappen’s passion for motorsport innovation.
Kerkhof highlighted Verstappen’s leadership, saying, “Max is incredibly dedicated. Whether in F1, sim racing, or team development, he always strives to elevate those around him. It’s an honor to have him involved.”
Looking Ahead
The 2025 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup will begin at Circuit Paul Ricard from April 11–13, followed by rounds at Monza, Nürburgring, and Barcelona, with the iconic 24 Hours of Spa in June. The Sprint Cup kicks off at Brands Hatch on May 3–4, with additional races at Zandvoort, Misano, Magny-Cours, and Valencia.
With its expanded presence in GT racing, an eye on talent development, and cutting-edge simulator technology, Verstappen.com Racing is positioned for a standout year. Max Verstappen encapsulates the team’s mission best: “We’re here to compete, grow, and succeed—and to set a new standard for what’s possible in motorsport.”