Dries van Langendonck joins Verstappen Racing
Published on 16 July 2026 by Niels Hendrix
Fifteen-year-old Belgian motorsport talent Dries van Langendonck has joined the Verstappen Racing group. Dries will continue as a member of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, while receiving additional support and guidance from Max Verstappen and his management team as he progresses through the junior formula categories on his path towards Formula 1.
In July 2024, Dries joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme, which saw the teenager progress from karting - where he claimed seven championship titles - to Formula 4. Debuting with Rodin Motorsport for the final three rounds of the 2025 British Formula 4 season, Dries gained valuable experience delivering standout performances that saw him take pole and a subsequent victory on his debut weekend.
The Zolder originating racer’s success continued in the Formula Winter Series with another championship title, claiming nine victories out of the fifteen races. Halfway through the 2026 F4 British Championship, Dries is leading the championship after a double win at Circuit Zandvoort. Dries’ junior career has seen him establish a strong reputation for speed and consistency, earning recognition as a standout talent and one to watch.
Dries van Langendonck said: “Verstappen Racing provides the support to take me to the next level in my career and marks an important step on my path to Formula 1 as the ultimate goal. To be able to learn from such an experienced driver as Max and to have the support of his professional management team, alongside that of McLaren Racing, is really amazing. I am very thankful. I will keep pushing to maximise my performances while doing what I like best: racing.”
Max Verstappen said: “I am impressed by the steep progress that Dries has made during his career and the talent he has shown both in karting and in his first steps in open formula racing. After getting to know Dries and his family, I’m convinced that all the signs for becoming a great future driver are there. Therefore, my management team and I will, with the simulator support of Verstappen Racing Pro Simulation, assist Dries to reach the ultimate goal of Formula 1.”
