Verstappen takes trio of podiums in Supercars All-Stars Esports series

Max Verstappen has claimed three podium finishes from four races after taking part in the second round of the Australian Supercars All-Stars Esports series.

With Esports filling the void during the motorsport shutdown, Verstappen made a guest appearance in the Australia series to drive a Red Bull Holden alongside Shane van Gisbergen and Jamie Whincup, with van Gisbergen and Verstappen regular rivals in the online racing world.

After impressing on debut to go from sixth place to second place at Silverstone, Verstappen lost out on the reversed grid for race two as he was caught in a first lap pile-up to finish P18.

In the third race, held at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Verstappen once again charged from sixth to second place before repeating the feat in the second race to cap a positive debut.

“It was a lot of fun driving in the Supercar races and very hectic. We got some good results in the end as well which I didn’t expect. To be second three times is not bad at all and to be 1-2 for Red Bull twice with Shane is really good [in Race 3],” Verstappen said.

“We worked really well together, especially in the final race with the strategy as he pitted a bit later and had better tyres at the end which helped us keep the 1-2.

“I want to say a big thank you Supercars for letting me drive in the series and also to Red Bull for organising this and the very cool livery. Hopefully I can be back soon for some more action.”

Red Bull has confirmed Verstappen will sit out the F1 Virtual Chinese Grand Prix with Alex Albon set to be joined by a “new mystery teammate” for this weekend’s race. English cricketer Ben Stokes partnered Albon last time during the F1 Virtual Vietnamese Grand Prix.