​Red Bull driver Max Verstappen is supporting Belgian driver Dries van Langendonck through the junior racing ranks. Van Langendonck is part of the McLaren junior driver program, joining the developmental wing at the age of 13 after winning the 2023 World Junior Karting title.He moved into single-seaters last year, and he became the youngest winner of a British Formula 4 race. After a stint with the Iberia-based Formula Winter Series, which he won, Van Langendonck is back in British F4 and currently leads the championship after four race wins. NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JULY 05: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 05, 2026 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)Now, Van Langendonck is being taken under the wing of Max Verstappen, joining Verstappen Racing, where he is the first driver that Verstappen’s team supports. Before the Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen spoke about his motivation in helping such a young driver reach F1. “Dries has been a big talent for a long time already in karting and I think you can spot quite quickly when someone is a little bit more special than someone else,” said Verstappen.“I think that has carried on with what he is doing in F4 and that’s why I think it’s very exciting to try and help him, guide him, of course hand-in-hand from McLaren’s side as well, to make the right decisions for his future.“He wants to get to F1 and I’m just trying to make sure that will happen in the future. It’s an exciting project to be part of.”Why did Van Langendonck sign with Max VerstappenAs for the Belgian, Van Langendonck views Verstappen as someone who can help him, given that Verstappen had the same status years ago. “Verstappen Racing provides another layer of support and backing alongside McLaren, which will be important for my career,” the driver said. “It gives me access to additional resources and opportunities to continue developing as a driver, including extra simulator time at Max’s simulator facility.“Having support from both McLaren and Verstappen Racing means I can focus on improving every aspect of my performance and becoming the best driver possible.”Considering Verstappen has not done anything like this in his career, his support for a young driver will draw attention, and now it is up to Van Langendonck to deliver.