MAX VERSTAPPEN has been told to end his late-night video game sessions after struggling at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The three-time world champion, 26 was up until the early hours on race day and ultimately finished fifth.
He has not won since Barcelona three GPs ago – his worst run since 2021.
Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko told Speedweek: “It didn’t take long for criticism of Max to arise this weekend.
“It’s no wonder, given that he spends half the night playing sim racing.
“We have agreed that he won’t do simulations so late any more.”
Verstappen, who crashed into Lewis Hamilton in Hungry, still leads the drivers’ standings with 265 points but Brit Lando Norris is closing the gap after moving to 189.
The Dutchman will be hit with a 10-place grid penalty at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix after exceeding his engine allowance.
Verstappen blasted race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase over the radio in Hungary.
He said: “No mate, don’t give me that s*** now.
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“You guys gave me this s*** strategy, OK? I’m trying to rescue what’s left.”
Nico Rosberg questioned his rival’s professionalism after news of his gaming session broke.
“They can all f*** off,” was Vertappen’s blunt response to his critics.
Virtual racing is becoming a huge business with high-tech set-ups trying to emulate the feeling of driving a real car.
Verstappen’s Team Redline co-drivers make a decent living with six-figure sums on offer in the top events.
Defending his involvement, he said: “I think I’m professional enough that I know what can and can’t be done.
“If you don’t go to bed and you don’t sleep, it won’t be good for your race on Sunday.
“But I think with so many years of experience I do know what to do.”
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