Max Verstappen is gearing up for an exceptionally busy weekend at Imola.
Belgian broadcaster RTBF reports that the world championship leader will not only be driving his Red Bull in the real world but also participating in a 24-hour sim race on the iRacing platform.
At 26, Verstappen is a well-known member of the professional sim racing team Redline. According to RTBF, "He recently declared in an interview that he takes his simulation equipment everywhere."
Verstappen has been officially listed as part of the Redline lineup for the 24-hour virtual race at the Nurburgring circuit.
"It's a scheduling clash which has not failed to surprise and amuse social network users," the broadcaster noted.
Back in March, just hours before the first practice session in Jeddah, Verstappen was streaming live on Twitch around midnight.
"Users also noticed that the Dutchman was online on iRacing at around 2 or 3am the day before qualifying and the grand prix - very unexpected behaviour from a high-level athlete," RTBF added.
Despite this, Verstappen managed to secure both the pole position and the grand prix victory in Jeddah.
Meanwhile, De Limburger newspaper reports that Verstappen's well-known father Jos, who now participates in rally events semi-professionally, will not be present at Imola this weekend.
"Driving yourself is more fun than watching," Verstappen senior is quoted as saying.
