Van Buren gets 'kick' for being small part of Verstappen's success

Rudy van Buren does not think he is making Max Verstappen drive harder thanks to his simulator work at Red Bull Racing. The Dutchman was appointed reserve driver at the Milton Keynes-based team last month and talks more about his work.

Earlier, it was announced that Van Buren has been appointed Simulator Test and Development Driver at the reigning world champion's team. Van Buren does the simulation work for Red Bull Racing for all race weekends, in which he not only does work for Verstappen but far also for teammate Sergio Pérez. In addition, the Dutchman is also active in the Porsche Super Cup.

Van Buren explains that his job is mainly to make the simulator equal to that of reality. Tips on how hard Verstappen should brake, the brand-new simulator driver does not give. "Totally not. Max himself knows very well how to drive hard. In fact, he can do that better than all of us put together." Van Buren only gives him the best tools to maximise his performance by finding the right set-up.

Important aspect

The simulator is becoming increasingly important, the Porsche Super Cup driver observes. "Although there are also weekends, like the last race at Monza, where the car immediately goes like a bullet at the first free practice." Then again, there is less work in the simulator; this was the same story at Spa-Francorchamps. Still, it's not always the case according to Van Buren:"Take Hungary. Did the car not run at all. And so you have to get going." Verstappen did eventually win in Hungary, but Van Buren doesn't say that that then feels a bit like "his" victory, he sees it as crediting Verstappen being in the car. "But it does feel cool when you know: I contributed to this. Even if it's only a small part. I did play a part so the car did well on Sunday."

'Kick to be part of'

Watching with sweat in his hands when his job is done, Van Buren does not. "No, I know Max is in good hands. Besides, at such a time - I'm back home by then - I can't do anything anyway. I do sit slightly tense in front of the TV. But that has more to do with the love for the sport."
Van Buren sees that the second title for Verstappen is coming. And that while the Red Bull driver was at first a long way behind himself. The simulator driver says it has completely turned the other way through hard work from the whole team there is now such a lead. "Even though I'm a small part of that, that's great to experience. That gives such a kick."