Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen arrives at the circuit before the race REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen arrives at the circuit before the race REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
F1 world champion Max Verstappen rubbed shoulders with other motorsports stars in the 24 hours Le Mans Virtual, organized on 15-16 January. The event is an Esports replica of the famous Le Mans race in the World Endurance Championship held annually in France.
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After nearly 2 years of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is not a surprise that the Virtual race attracted many top names from across the motorsports landscape, from NASCAR to IndyCar. An iconic race like the 24 Hours of Le Mans is an accessible attraction for drivers with little to do in a socially distanced culture.
Verstappen was chasing the virtual chequered flag with the Team Redline. Other significant motorsports names on the virtual grid included Juan Pablo Montoya, IndyCar champion Alex Palou, and Louis Delétraz. During the qualifying session, Verstappen missed the pole by 0.002 seconds.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates winning the race and the world championship with the Netherlands flag on the podium REUTERS/Rula Rouhana
However, when the lights went out, and the race started, Verstappen failed to make a mark for himself even after an impressive lead at the start. He found the barriers after going way too high on a curb. The rear left came out and Verstappen’s Redline car crashed out of the race.
It's @Max33Verstappen who takes the lead at the start!
And it's a mostly clean start for both LMP and GTE!#LeMansVirtual pic.twitter.com/RcpnEphzGq
— Le Mans Virtual (@LeMansVirtual) January 15, 2022
Twitter reacts to Max Verstappen DNF
There was much excitement building up around Verstappen’s entry in the prestigious race, even if virtually. As he failed to finish the race, a lot of reactions came on Twitter. Some fans were belly laughing it out while others were genuinely disappointed.
The Dutchman had an incredibly successful F1 season, arguably the most dominant in a long while. However, Verstappen failed to carry that momentum into this virtual race. Let’s take a quick look into some Twitter reactions on Verstappen’s virtual crash and DNF.
Didnt have Lewis to crash and stay on track due to contact…
😂
— Re (@alfonsoReV) January 16, 2022
Max Verstappen winning the 2021 WDC but dnf’ing in the virtual 24hr Le Mans race. pic.twitter.com/2HSgsnSxur
— 🏴 (@loganchristie05) January 15, 2022
What a loser, he didnt deserve the title for this
— Zayn Daniel🧬 (@Zayn_Daniel10) January 15, 2022
I guess I'm like Max then. I also struggle to cleanly pass backmarkers. I usually end up missing the apex and either lose a lot of time or crash 🙁
— Battered Voltidge⚡ (@Appelpeer15) January 15, 2022
Max just learnt the heroism of Alo when winning his very first 24h
— Edu de Costilla 🇪🇸 (@edudecostilla) January 16, 2022
Hamilton fault
— jjpro (@SurfEngenheiro) January 15, 2022
All said and done, now the teams are gearing up for the much-anticipated upcoming 2022 F1 season. Max Verstappen will be back on the grid for the winter testing soon. Fans are eagerly waiting for another round of the Red Bull-Mercedes Rivalry. Do chip in with your predictions on the same.
Read More- What Did Max Verstappen Get First – His Driving License or the F1 Superlicense?
