BREAKING: MAX VERSTAPPEN BREAKS GROUND ON $50 MILLION RACING ACADEMY — GLOBAL RISING STARS CHAMPIONSHIP TO DEBUT IN 2026
In a move that’s already being hailed as one of the most ambitious projects in motorsport history, Max Verstappen has officially broken ground on his highly anticipated $50 million Racing Academy. The three-time Formula 1 World Champion is turning his attention toward the future — not just his own, but the future of the sport itself.
During a high-profile event held near his hometown in the Netherlands, Verstappen revealed sweeping plans for the academy and announced the creation of a new international competition: the Global Rising Stars Championship (GRSC), set to debut in early 2026.
“This is a dream I’ve had for a long time,” Verstappen said while standing next to construction machinery and holding a golden shovel. “Motorsport changed my life, and now I want to open the door for others who dream of getting behind the wheel, no matter where they come from.”
Next-Generation Training Facility
The Verstappen Racing Academy promises to be a facility unlike any other. Among its standout features:
A full-size FIA-grade racetrack designed specifically for young driver development, with multiple configurations to simulate different racing disciplines.
Elite driving simulators and VR training centers, giving students access to the most cutting-edge technology available.
State-of-the-art physical fitness and mental performance centers, ensuring that drivers are prepared for every aspect of professional racing.
Global outreach programs and scholarships to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent the next great talents from being discovered.
A commitment to sustainability, including hybrid and electric vehicle racing programs that embrace the future of motorsport technology.
Verstappen emphasized that the academy will not be limited to drivers from traditional racing hotbeds like Europe and North America. “Talent is everywhere,” Verstappen said. “We’re going to find it in South America, Africa, Asia — places where young drivers just need the right opportunity.”
Introducing the Global Rising Stars Championship
Alongside the academy, Verstappen’s most electrifying announcement was the launch of the Global Rising Stars Championship.
The GRSC will serve as the ultimate proving ground for the academy’s top graduates as well as promising drivers from around the world. The series will feature hybrid-powered race cars developed in partnership with top engineering firms, blending high performance with cutting-edge green technology.
The inaugural GRSC season will include:
12 races across 4 continents, including stops in Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East.
Scholarships and team sponsorships for standout academy drivers.
Global television and streaming deals to ensure maximum exposure for young talent.
A $1 million championship prize pool, setting a new standard for junior-level motorsport.
“We’re not just creating a stepping stone,” Verstappen said. “We’re creating a true championship where young drivers can build their names and their careers.”
A Vision for the Future
Industry insiders are already buzzing about the project’s massive potential. Some are calling it “the Verstappen Effect” — using his fame, resources, and winning mentality to create lasting change in a sport that has often struggled to open doors for new talent.
With construction on the Academy expected to be completed by late 2025, and the first GRSC season set for early 2026, anticipation is sky-high.
Fans, sponsors, and young drivers from around the world flooded social media within minutes of the announcement, with hashtags like #VerstappenAcademy and #GRSC2026 quickly trending worldwide.