“We loaned Max Verstappen out to Redbull, to race in Imola this weekend" - Red Bull driver's Team Redline member Luke Crane makes hilarious claim

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen's Team Redline member Luke Crane has hilariously claimed that they 'loaned' the three-time world F1 world champion out to the Austrian team for the Imola Grand Prix amidst his commitment to take part in the Virtual iRacing 24-hour race at Nurburgring. The Dutch driver did not stop racing on Saturday after taking an excellent pole position in Imola as he had to rush back to his motorhome to do his stint in the 24-hour virtual race.

The 26-year-old had brought his own simulator to the track and kept it in his motorhome to compete in the event.

While doing his shift in the night, Team Redline's member on the live stream hilariously spoke of his Imola GP commitment, saying:

“We loaned max out to Red Bull, to race in Imola this weekend. We’re allowing him to race in Imola. He wants to express his hobby, but this is the serious stuff.”

In his post-qualifying press conference, Max Verstappen also informed about the event and claimed that the race was on when he was in his car in the qualifying, saying:

"Well, I mean, the race is already on, that one, as well. So, yeah, a few more things to do after this, of course, and then I'll try to head back and do my stints before I arrive at the track here tomorrow. I mean, I need a good sleep for sure."

Max Verstappen wary of the threat from McLaren in the main race on Sunday

Max Verstappen has stated that he is wary of the threat from McLaren as he did not have the best long-run pace in the FP2 session while alluding to his troubles with the car this weekend.

He told the media:

"I mean, yesterday was terrible in the long run and short run. This morning we wanted to do a long run, but then we only did like three laps. But also there it didn't feel good. But I also had no balance in the short run. So then it's quite normal that in the long run, it's not good.

"So naturally, I think with the balance that I had in qualifying, it will be better. But I have no clue against McLaren. They looked very strong yesterday in their long run. So hopefully, yeah, we can do something similar."

It would be fascinating to see if the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri or the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc could challenge the Red Bull driver in the main race.

Max Verstappen would hope that the setup changes he made ahead of the qualifying on Saturday might pay dividends in the Grand Prix as well and help him get his fifth win of the season.