How another key alliance for Verstappen is forming in the paddock

The four-time world champion has even raced in virtual events during Formula 1 race weekends.

As sim racing continues to develop, Verstappen has another alliance forming in the paddock due to his hobby.

The Dutchman is an ambassador for Team Redline and has a growing friendship with rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.

Bortoleto told the official Formula 1 website that his friendship with Verstappen began through sim racing when the Sauber driver raced in FIA F3.

He said: "Well, I started playing a lot of video games with Max, and then a simulator as well when I was in F3. Early, early season in F3, so in January, February we started practising."

Sim racing has become very important amongst the young drivers to sharpen their skills away from the circuit in real life.

It may be able to help develop their racecraft as they can practice battling and overtaking in a range of cars.

Verstappen is incredibly fast in sim racing and has competed with other Formula 1 drivers such as championship contender Lando Norris.

Despite his prowess in the virtual world, Verstappen is enduring a frustrating Formula 1 campaign for Red Bull this year.

He has won just two races and Red Bull sits fourth in the Constructors' Championship and are 288 points behind pacesetters McLaren.