Who is Dries van Langendonck, the McLaren junior driver signed by Max Verstappen?

Ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix last weekend, news surfaced that Max Verstappen had taken his first steps into driver development by giving backing to Dries van Langendonck. But who is the 15-year-old that has caught the attention of a four-time World Champion?

Who is Dries van Langendonck?

Van Langendonck is currently a McLaren junior driver, having joined the team's driver development programme in 2024 at the age of just 13 after winning the 2023 World Junior Karting title.

A move into single-seaters beckoned last season, where the Belgian teenager became the youngest winner of a British Formula 4 race by winning on his debut at Donington Park.

The 15-year-old also won the Iberia-based Formula Winter Series at the end of the year before returning for a full season of British F4 in 2026, where he currently leads the standings after winning four races.

Why has Verstappen supported him?

Verstappen is no stranger to taking an interest in motorsport outside the realms of F1, having set up his own GT and sim racing teams.

But this decision marks the first time that the Verstappen Racing squad will actively support a young driver in the lower ranks of single-seater racing.

Speaking ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen gave his reasons for wanting to support Van Langendonck in his quest to 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."

What does Van Langendonck think about Verstappen's support?

Van Langendonck was present during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend with McLaren, where he will remain as part of the team's development programme as well as receiving support and guidance from Verstappen.

"Max Verstappen has always been an idol for me. Growing up in Belgium, there was a natural connection to him, but beyond that he's an incredible driver and someone I've always admired," said Van Langendonck.

"Verstappen Racing provides another layer of support and backing alongside McLaren, which will be important for my career.

"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."

Van Langendonck's ultimate goal?

Like every driver in the junior ranks, Van Langendonck hopes to reach F1 and believes that the support of McLaren and Verstappen together will allow him to get the most out of his potential.

"Ultimately, my goal is to race in Formula 1 and obviously become a Formula 1 World Champion," he explained.

"There's still a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead, but I believe that's possible with McLaren and their support.

"If I continue to develop, work hard and make the most of every opportunity, hopefully all the pieces will come together."