Motor racing is a thrill like no other, and Formula 1 is the pinnacle of that feeling. That being said, only a handful of drivers ever are able to experience that rush. But thanks to technology, almost anyone can enjoy a simulation of the same from the comfort of their homes. And contrary to popular opinion, sim racing isn’t all in vain. That’s exactly why actual F1 drivers such as Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris have elaborate sim racing setups to keep themselves sharp and have some fun along the way, on days when they’re away from the real action.

The line between real racing and virtual racing is slimmer than you’d imagine. A lot of skills actually do transfer between the two disciplines. That’s why Max Verstappen when he’s not strapped into the best racing machinery available with Red Bull, drives for the best sim racing team, Team Redline, headed by general manager Atze Kerkhof. Kerkhof and Redline have accolades such as winning the virtual Spa 24 hours, and the virtual Le Mans amongst many others. And they’ve boasted a solid lineup too, with drivers such as Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc.

Max Verstappen v. Charles Leclerc v. Lando Norris debate settled?

Safe to say, he’s got the inside line on the trio. In a promotional video for Verstappen.com, YouTube personality, TommoF1, quizzed Kerkhof about how close Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris (drivers he’s worked with in the past) were actually to Verstappen. While not divulging too much, he began by setting criteria for evaluation.

He said, “For me, if you win your Formula 2 season on your first attempt, for me you’re a proper talent. You saw with Leclerc, the guy was so dominant. With Russell, the same, he was incredible that year. Norris, I think he had quite a competitive year but Norris is a worker.”

All in all, Kerkhof claimed that the trio was pretty closely matched.

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In the past, Verstappen has credited his sublime driving on the track to his hobby of sim racing. However, for him to be able to have the ultimate sim-racing experience, the Dutch lion has curated a setup that beats the best of the best!

Max Verstappen and his elite sim racing setup

Sim racing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. This is mainly because of the hours you’d lose practicing and getting good, but also the steep barrier to entry with regards to the cost. However, for 2x Champion Max Verstappen, that shouldn’t be a problem.

According to Boxthislap.org, “His cockpit has different elements that are not usual, such as a Playseat F1 Ultimate cockpit, or a Sim Engineering wheel completed by a Leo Bodnar engine and base. The pedals are a Heusinkveld Ultimate and are surrounded by a set of Samsung 32-inch curved triples, keeping a fourth screen for race information topics.”

“He completes the setup with a Heusinkveld shifter and handbrake, wireless helmets, and a carbon fiber seat presumably made to order.” Now that would’ve cost a bomb!

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Even sim racing isn’t exactly ‘equal machinery’. However, if Verstappen, Leclerc, and Norris were pitted against each other in comparable cars, who’d come out victorious?