Verstappen see's eSports potential in future for F1 teams

Max Verstappen believes that eSports stars could have a part to play in Formula One in the future when it comes to car development. The Dutchman frequently posts himself racing online when he isn't busy with the real racing on grand prix weekends.

Formula One under Liberty Media has made a conscious effort to expand into the eSports territory, hosting the first-ever official F1 racing league, winner Brendon Leigh now a part of the Mercedes eSports team.

Verstappen, who will be very used to working on simulators for Red Bull explained that the role could shift on to the new breed of F1 gamers.

"F1 had been a bit behind in with esports so it’s good," he told WTF1.

"I know a lot of esports drivers, they are very, very quick. At one point they can also support us, doing simulator work a lot more instead of us going to the factory all the time to do the simulator.

"I think it would be nice if they could eventually do that."

McLaren made the bold step of appointing Rudy Van Buren as a development driver for the team after winning their 'World's fastest gamer' competition last year. Verstappen believes it's a trend that could continue too.

"It’s a great opportunity (for Rudi). I think it was a really good competition as it’s not only getting someone that is actually good at driving, but also at things like PR.

"He can talk and can actually help the team. He’s an extra man so, they had to go through a physical test as well, so yeah I think it was a good process.

"You see it in a lot of sports, I mean football as well. The guys who are playing Fifa make a lot of money out of it, so it’s good."