Max Verstappen faces double trouble in Imola, likely to participate in 24 hour long race

Amid the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen is facing double trouble. This weekend Formula 1 will return to its normal schedule with a Grand Prix race at Imola. However, Verstappen will be racing twice this weekend due to the overlap of the Grand Prix and his simulator race. 

Following consecutive sprint events, a format that the Dutch driver isn't particularly fond of, Formula 1 will revert to its traditional setup for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Verstappen faces the challenge of squeezing the virtual 24 Hours of Nürburgring into his busy schedule this weekend. 

The 26-year-old driver's passion for sim racing is well-documented. Teaming up with Team Redline, he frequently participates in major sim racing competitions. This isn't the first time Verstappen has had scheduling conflicts, but it remains uncertain whether the three-time world champion will manage to fulfil his virtual commitments this weekend or not. 

Max Verstappen will be keen to get back on track

Despite facing his first on-track defeat of the season at the Miami Grand Prix, Max Verstappen currently leads the F1 drivers' standings after six rounds. As he heads to Imola, he aims to further extend his lead over his teammate Sergio Perez.

This week he will be keen to get back to victory as Red Bull is set to bring an update for RB20. This will come after McLaren’s relatively shocking win at the Miami Grand Prix last weekend. On the other hand, Mercedes and Ferrari will also bring some key updates to compete with other rivals.

It’s worth noting that last weekend McLaren brought almost a brand-new car which was very much quick in the game. Driving it Lando Norris built an unassailable lead over Verstappen to clinch his first-ever GP victory. After this Ferrari and Mercedes are also looking for updates to stay in the competition.