WATCH: Max Verstappen’s grandma interrupts the F1 champion during sim-racing livestream

Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, is not only a force to be reckoned with on the racetrack but has also made a significant mark in the virtual racing world. Renowned for utilizing sim racing to fine-tune his real-world driving skills, the Red Bull driver made his virtual racing debut in 2020, immersing himself in transforming gamers into bona fide race drivers.

Verstappen’s dedication to the world of simulation racing is evident in his sophisticated setup, housed in a dedicated room at his home. The high-tech rig, ranging between $15,000 to $35,000, includes a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals, and multiple screens. This setup not only speaks to his commitment to honing his skills but also provides fans with a glimpse into the world of professional sim racing.

Beyond the traditional racing scene, Verstappen actively engages with fans through his Twitch streams, where he shares insights into his techniques and allows fans to witness his virtual racing prowess. Typically streaming with team Redline on Wednesdays, these sessions have become a staple for fans eager to see the world champion in action.

However, during a recent stream, fans were treated to an unexpected and endearing interruption when Max’s grandmother, Marianne, mother of his dad, Jos Verstappen, entered the scene. Amid a back-to-back racing schedule and a long break, the stream was back for round 8 of the BMW M Sim Cup. Max, focused on the race with his microphone on, responded to his grandmother’s inquiry in Dutch with a simple “Yeah, that’s good.”

Discover: Max Verstappen explains his family’s role in pushing him ‘to the top’ in F1

Fans tease Max Verstappen’s military-like response

The moment, caught on camera and shared by fans across platforms, revealed a glimpse into the personal side of the world champion. While Max’s response was nonchalant and seemingly military-like, fans found humor in the situation, suggesting that Max might lack the privacy of a closed door during his streaming sessions.

Several months prior, Max experienced another streaming interruption when his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet’s daughter, playfully disrupted his session by tugging at his headphones. Social media platforms buzzed with reactions as fans playfully teased the Dutch driver for his frequently interrupted streams. All the replies were either in Dutch or Spanish, and the translations of those were hilarious. 

The video, shared widely, captured a rare and heartwarming moment of familial interaction amid high-stakes gaming rings familiarity with every common person. Fans, ever-attentive to the human side of their favorite drivers, celebrated the clip as a testament to Max’s versatility, both on and off the virtual track.

In case you missed it:

• Ex-F1 world champion claims Max Verstappen has no ‘weak aspects’
• George Russell explains how Fernando Alonso inspired him to approach races differently

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