Max Verstappen has lifted the lid on his unconventional home preparation routine ahead of Formula 1 race weekends. The four-time world champion regularly uses Assetto Corsa, a commercially available racing simulation, alongside Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto. What makes this particularly intriguing is that Verstappen opts for a racing game accessible to any enthusiast, rather than solely relying on professional-grade simulators. Despite its consumer availability, the Red Bull Racing driver finds the platform remarkably effective for his pre-race preparations.
Consumer sim with professional modifications
When asked by Pelas Pistas about his preferred simulation platform for Grand Prix preparation, Verstappen explained his current approach without hesitation. “These days we mainly use Assetto Corsa,” he confirmed. “It’s the same Assetto Corsa that you could buy at home. But we do use mods.”
These modifications consist of vehicles and circuits not included in the standard game package, typically created by third-party developers within the sim racing community. The flexibility of the platform allows for deep customization beyond what official content provides. “You can also adjust things within the files themselves,” Verstappen added, highlighting the technical control available to users willing to dive into the software’s underlying structure.
This choice reflects a pragmatic approach to race preparation. Rather than exclusively depending on Red Bull’s factory simulator, Verstappen supplements his training with a more accessible platform that offers unique advantages through community-created content and customizable parameters.
Fine-tuning realism through collaborative development
The collaborative aspect of Verstappen’s preparation method extends beyond simply downloading modifications. “That’s why it’s really useful for us,” the Dutchman explained, gesturing toward Bortoleto during the interview. “We’re always playing around with all sorts of settings. Sometimes we even ask the person who made the mod if they can change some things for us.”
Bortoleto expanded on their methodology, emphasizing their pursuit of accuracy. “We try to make the circuits as realistic as possible. Sometimes we’ll point out: ‘Hey, this kerb isn’t quite realistic.’ Maybe it’s too bumpy or not bumpy enough. Those guys adjust it and that’s how we try to make it as realistic as possible.”
This direct communication channel with mod creators represents an unusual bridge between professional motorsport and the sim racing community. By providing real-world feedback from actual Formula 1 experience, Verstappen and Bortoleto contribute to improving the accuracy of virtual representations that thousands of enthusiasts also use.
Racing beyond Formula 1
Verstappen’s simulator work fits into a broader pattern of racing activity that extends well beyond his Formula 1 commitments. His presence on iRacing has become legendary within the sim racing community, where he competes regularly against both professionals and amateurs. Earlier this year, he pursued his Nürburgring Nordschleife licenses before competing in the 57th ADAC Barbarossapreis alongside Chris Lulham, claiming victory in a Ferrari 296 GT3.
This relentless pursuit of racing in various formats speaks to Verstappen’s fundamental approach to the sport. Whether behind the wheel of a championship-winning RB20 or seated at his home simulator, the four-time champion’s focus remains constant: continuous improvement through seat time and varied racing challenges.
What this reveals about modern driver preparation
Verstappen’s candid revelation about his preparation methods offers insight into how contemporary Formula 1 drivers supplement their professional training resources. While teams invest millions in state-of-the-art simulators at their factories, drivers increasingly recognize the value of accessible platforms that offer flexibility, community support, and the ability to practice at any hour without logistical constraints.
The choice of Assetto Corsa, with its modification ecosystem, provides advantages that even expensive professional simulators may lack. Custom-built track versions incorporating driver feedback can sometimes reflect real-world conditions more accurately than official content. As the 2025 season progresses, this hybrid approach to preparation—combining factory simulator work with modified consumer platforms—may become more common among drivers seeking every possible edge in an increasingly competitive championship battle.
