Max Verstappen beats 3-time IndyCar Champion in GT3 race at Sebring

Alex Gassman
Max Verstappen and Alex Palou

Max Verstappen has once again showcased his prowess beyond the confines of Formula 1, this time in the virtual realm.

The reigning F1 World Champion once again demonstrated his sim skills in an iRacing GT3 race at Sebring, where he triumphed over some of the best in the business.

Sim racing is more than just a hobby for Max Verstappen. Despite his commitments in Formula 1, Verstappen frequently competes at the highest level in online racing, particularly on iRacing as part of Team Redline.

Known as one of the most competitive sim racing teams in the world, Team Redline boasts an array of elite virtual racers. Verstappen’s commitment to sim racing has led to some notable moments, both thrilling and controversial.

In 2024, Verstappen made headlines for staying up until 3 a.m. the night before the Hungarian Grand Prix to help his team win the iRacing Spa 24 Hours.

The following day, Verstappen’s performance in the Grand Prix was below his usual standards. He collided with Lewis Hamilton during the race and engaged in a heated argument with his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, who labeled Verstappen’s behavior as “childish” over the radio.

The incident prompted Red Bull team principal Christian Horner to implement a rule barring Verstappen from sim racing late into the night before F1 races, ensuring his focus remained on real-world competition.

Yet Verstappen’s passion for sim racing remains untameable. At the 2024 Imola Grand Prix, he had his sim rig shipped to his motorhome in the paddock so he could compete in the iRacing Nürburgring 24 Hours. The massive rig had to be transported in the back of a local flower delivery van due to its size.

Remarkably, Verstappen won both the Imola Grand Prix and the iRacing endurance event on the same day, cementing his reputation as the world’s greatest in both real and virtual racing.

Max sim racing Imola

Now Versappen has competed in a 45-minute multi-class night race on the Sebring circuit. For the race Verstappen started 12th and last in the GT3 category, driving the Ferrari 458 GT3 car. 

Some of his competition included his Team Redline teammate Gianni Vecchio, Irish racing star Alex Dunne who won the 2022 British F4 championship and has since competed GB3, and F3. And to top it off, the 3-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou was also in the race.

The rolling start saw Verstappen, who’s avatar was Lewis Hamilton, use his experience to great effect. He deliberately dropped back slightly before the green lights, allowing him to accelerate early and carry more momentum into the start. 

This strategy paid dividends as Verstappen gained an astonishing eight positions by the exit of Turn 1, catapulting him to fourth place. By the end of the first lap, he had moved up to third after an incisive move into the next corner.

For the next few minutes, Verstappen relentlessly pursued Alex Palou, who was running in second place. The Dutchman’s calculated approach was evident as he studied Palou’s lines and weaknesses.

Just before the five-minute mark, Verstappen executed a perfectly timed late-braking maneuver at the final corner, catching Palou off guard and claiming second place. Palou had no response and Max pulled away.

Now in second place, Verstappen set his sights on Alex Dunne who was leading the race. Over the next 20 minutes, Verstappen slowly reeled in the Irish driver, helped in part by faster LMP2 cars navigating through the GT3 field and disrupting Dunne’s rhythm.

A decisive moment came when an LMP2 car forced Dunne to defend into Turn 1. Verstappen capitalized by taking a wider entry and gaining a better exit, overtaking Dunne on the straight to claim the lead.

Sebring iRacing

However, Dunne wasn’t ready to concede. The next lap saw another LMP2 car unsettle Verstappen, allowing Dunne to retake the lead. The battle intensified as more multi-class traffic came into play, culminating in both drivers deciding to make their mandatory pit stops simultaneously.

Verstappen exited the pits just four-tenths behind Dunne, setting the stage for another thrilling chase.

Alex Dunne Max verstappen

Back on track, Verstappen resumed his pursuit of Dunne. With the clock ticking past the two-thirds point, the faster LMP2 cars once again influenced the battle. This time, Dunne was forced wide by a passing LMP2, giving Verstappen the opportunity to pull alongside him down the start-finish straight.

Entering Turn 1, Verstappen squeezed Dunne towards the inside wall. While it appeared Verstappen left just enough room, Dunne clipped the wall and spun, effectively ending his challenge for the win.

Despite the unfortunate conclusion to their duel, Verstappen’s performance was once again spectacular. He crossed the line with a comfortable 7-second lead over Dunne, who recovered to finish second. Palou, meanwhile, completed the race in fourth.

Watch the race for yourself below.

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Alex Gassman

I‘m Alex. I write F1 and motorsport travel guides based on my experience as racing driver and full-time motorsport nerd. I’ve traveled the world watching F1 and other racing series.

I started oversteer48 with the aim of helping other motorsport fans who are planning on watching some racing themselves.

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