F1 World Champion Max Verstappen joined other motorsport stars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual, organized on January 15-16. The event is an esports recreation of the famous Le Mans race in the World Endurance Championship, held annually in France.
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
After nearly two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s no surprise that the virtual race attracted many top names from across the motorsport landscape, from NASCAR to IndyCar. An iconic race like the 24 Hours of Le Mans is an accessible attraction for drivers who have little to do in a socially distanced culture.
Verstappen chased the virtual checkered flag with Team Redline. Other major motorsport names on the virtual grid included Juan Pablo Montoya, IndyCar Champion Alex Palou and Louis Delétraz. In qualifying, Verstappen missed pole by 0.002 seconds.
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates winning the race and world championship with the Dutch flag on the podium REUTERS/Rula Rouhana
However, when the lights went down and the race began, Verstappen failed to make his mark even after an impressive lead at the start. He found the barriers after going way too high on a curb. The rear left came out and Verstappen’s Redline car crashed out of the race.
Twitter reacts to Max Verstappen’s DNF
Much excitement was building around Verstappen’s entry into the prestigious race, albeit virtually. When he didn’t finish the race, there was a lot of reaction on Twitter. Some fans laughed at this while others were genuinely disappointed.
The Dutchman has had an incredibly successful F1 season, arguably the most dominant in a long time. However, Verstappen was unable to carry that momentum into this virtual race. Let’s take a quick look at some Twitter reactions to Verstappen’s virtual crash and DNF.
Didn’t have Lewis to crash and stay behind due to contact…
— Re (@alfonsoReV) January 16, 2022
What a loser, he didn’t deserve the title for that
— Zayn Daniel
(@Zayn_Daniel10) January 15, 2022
I guess I’m like Max there. I also struggle to pass backmarkers cleanly. I usually miss the apex and either lose a lot of time or fall 
— Battered Voltidge
(@Appelpeer15) January 15, 2022
Max was just learning the heroism of Alo when he won his first 24 hours
— Edu de Costilla 
(@edudecostilla) January 16, 2022
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
All said and done, teams are now gearing up for the highly anticipated upcoming 2022 F1 season. Max Verstappen will soon start again for the winter tests. Fans eagerly await another round of the Red Bull-Mercedes rivalry. Bring in your predictions.
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
DIVE DEEPER
Did you enjoy reading this article? Download our exclusive app for 24/7 coverage, the latest memes and social media banter. Click here to download.
