Max Verstappen gets penalties even in virtual world – A costly start at IMSA Global Esports. Max Verstappen fell victim to penalties even in the virtual world.

Williams Esports claimed the GTP title in the 2024-25 IMSA Global Esports Championship after a dramatic final race on the virtual Daytona circuit. The event was marked by an early incident involving Max Verstappen, making his debut as a wildcard in the competition. The collision resulted in Verstappen receiving the first penalty of the IMSA Global Esports event contested at Daytona.

Starting from third on the grid, Verstappen attempted a move for the lead at the first corner. However, a braking error caused his Acura to collide with the championship-leading BMW of the Williams team. Both cars went off track, sustaining significant damage. The situation worsened as Verstappen was handed a drive-through penalty for causing the collision.

“I slightly locked the rear tires, and it was difficult to control the car,” Max Verstappen explained. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t avoid the other car. My mistake.”

Despite repairs during a pit stop, the race for the Verstappen-Ariel duo was further complicated by a second incident involving a GTD-class car. In the end, the team finished twelfth, far from the points zone.

Williams wins at IMSA Global Esports
Despite the initial setback, the Williams Esports team, represented by Jaden Munoz and Matt Farrow, managed to finish the race in tenth place, securing the GTP title. This success underscores the strength of the team, which operates from the same Grove campus as the Formula 1 outfit.

Former IndyCar driver Agustín Canapino competed in all four races of the championship, finishing the season fifth with the Soelpec Precision Racing team. At Daytona, Canapino and teammate Maximilian Muir finished fourteenth.

In the GTD class, Team Redline, affiliated with Max Verstappen, dominated by winning the title thanks to two class victories by Florian Lebigre and Enzo Bonito, who is also known for his participation in the 2019 Race of Champions.

Max Verstappen seeks redemption at the virtual 24 Hours of Daytona
Despite the challenges faced, Verstappen is not giving up. The Dutch driver will compete in the virtual 24 Hours of Daytona, scheduled for January 17-19, once again using the iRacing platform. It will be an opportunity for him to seek redemption and reaffirm his talent in the world of sim racing.