Devoted sim racer and two-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has signed a deal to collaborate, create content and promote EA Sports, a gaming brand close to his heart.
Verstappen apart from being among the best of not the best F1 driver of this generation is also one of the top sim racers online. The Re3d Bull driver is an avid simmer, and EA Sports a leading video game producer with racing titles a large part of their heritage and, currently, has the rights to the official F1 Game.
Electronic Arts Inc announced last week that EA Sports “has signed a partnership with back-to-back Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen. The agreement will see the Oracle Red Bull Racing driver collaborate with the brand to create content across the EA Sports portfolio.”
“The deal also includes sponsorship with Verstappen for the 2023 season, with EA Sports branding featuring on the chin of his race helmet.”
Verstappen explained the reason for the association: “Whether it’s playing games with my friends or staying competitive when away from the track, EA Sports has always been a big part of my life. EA Sports is an icon for so many millions of fans, and I’m proud to represent them for the 2023 season.”
As for signing Verstappen, Andrea Hopelain, SVP of Brand for EA Sports & Racing said: “Max is a tenacious competitor and true champion who shares a deep love of games and play.
“As he races into Formula 1 history, we are excited to collaborate with him as one of the best athletes in the world to bring more fans together through our EA Sports experiences,” concluded Hopelain.
Verstappen, who competes regularly in global sim events with leading sim racing team Redline, on platforms such as iRacing and rFactor 2, grabbed headlines last month when his team was disconnected during the Virtual Le Mans 24 Hours hosted by Motorsport Games.
The reigning F1 World Champion vented his frustration during a live stream that went viral, burning rFactor 2 and Motorsport Games almost beyond repair with his “clown show” remarks and the decision to uninstall the sim game, he made on air.