This is why Jos Verstappen and Vermeulen visited McLaren at Spa

GPblog can confirm that Verstappen and Vermeulen had a meeting with the fifteen-year-old Belgian, who was recently announced as the latest addition to Verstappen Racing.

Van Langendonck remains part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme but will from now on also be guided by Verstappen’s management team.

The visit by Jos Verstappen and Vermeulen to McLaren was therefore entirely about that collaboration and the guidance of Van Langendonck. There was no other reason for the meeting.

The reason the meeting took place in McLaren’s hospitality is simple: Van Langendonck will also remain part of McLaren junior programme. Verstappen and Vermeulen are closely involved in mentoring the young Belgian and had a scheduled meeting with him there.

Max Verstappen's future was not discussed, and this website has learned that Oscar Piastri does not need to fear for his future with the Woking-based outfit.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Van Langendonck has joined Verstappen Racing, which will now guide him in his motorsport career, and will also receive support from Verstappen Racing Pro Simulation.

At the same time, the Belgian remains connected to McLaren. He joined the team's junior programme at the end of 2024.

Van Langendonck is considered one of Belgium’s biggest talents at the moment. After seven karting titles, he made the step up to single-seater car racing in the 2025 season. He began competing in British Formula 4 championship with Rodin Motorsport and immediately impressed with a pole position and a victory during his first race weekend.

He then claimed the Formula Winter Series title, winning nine out of the 15 races. Afterward, the young talent continued to deliver this season, and currently leads the F4 British Championship.

Max Verstappen said on Thursday at Spa that he sees extraordinary potential in Van Langendonck. “Drivers like this don’t come around every year. For me, Dries is actually the first of whom I think there’s real potential there,” the four-time world champion told GPblog and others.

According to Verstappen, the focus in the coming years will be on guiding Van Langendonck as he develops toward higher levels of motorsport. The ultimate step would then possibly be reaching Formula 1. Both Verstappen Racing Pro Simulation and Verstappen's management team will support Van Langendonck, who will continue as a member of the McLaren junior team.