Verstappen signs McLaren junior van Langendonck in first driver development move

Max Verstappen has signed McLaren junior driver Dries van Langendonck to his Verstappen Racing squad, making it the four-time Formula 1 world champion’s first venture into driver development. The 15-year-old Belgian will receive simulator support and management guidance from Verstappen’s team while continuing to compete in the British Formula 4 championship in 2025.

Van Langendonck joined McLaren’s development programme in July 2024 after claiming the 2023 World Junior Karting title. He wasted little time making an impression in single-seaters, taking pole position and victory on his debut weekend in British F4 before graduating to a full campaign this season. He currently leads the British F4 standings following a double victory at Zandvoort.

“I am 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 said. “After getting to know Dries and his family, I’m convinced that all the signs for becoming a great future driver are there. 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.”

Van Langendonck will remain part of the McLaren junior programme under the agreement, meaning he now benefits from the backing of two of the sport’s most prominent names. “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,” the teenager said. “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.”

Having already established his own GT and sim racing operation, this signing represents Verstappen’s first step into junior driver management. The move also draws an unexpected line between Verstappen and McLaren at a moment when his own future in F1 remains unresolved. The Dutchman has yet to commit to Red Bull beyond his current deal, with reports suggesting his frustration over the new generation of cars has prompted both him and McLaren to explore their options — though those conversations have been characterised as exploratory rather than a serious transfer push.

Whether the van Langendonck arrangement deepens that relationship or remains purely a development partnership is likely to be one of the more closely watched subplots of the season.