Max Verstappen explains why Heineken Player 0.0 is his 'big passion' outside of Formula 1

Max Verstappen has spoken about one of his big passions away from his busy Formula 1 schedule.

It was another glorious season for Verstappen as he claimed his fourth F1 world title in a row.

The Dutchman had to dig deep and earn his crown after Oracle Red Bull Racing suffered a rare dip in form mid-way through the season.

He was pushed all the way by McLaren's Lando Norris but ultimately proved too good and too strong as he clinched the world title at November's Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix.

With the season over, Verstappen attended the Heineken Player 0.0 final, held at the GAMERGY festival in Madrid, Spain.

Player 0.0 is a sim racing competition launched in 2021 as part of the company’s When You Drive, Never Drink (WYDND) initiative.

First started in 2016, WYDND reinforces Heineken's commitment to advocating against harmful consumption and aims to ensure safer roads and responsible choices.

Last year, Verstappen was on stage as he raced against the six finalists inside The Heineken Experience in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

He told SPORTbible at the time: "We had this idea of engaging the next generation of racing fans. Bringing this to everyone all over the world."

Max Verstappen at the Heineken Player 0.0 final in Madrid, Spain. Image: Heineken

This time around, Player 0.0 went bigger and better as 18 finalists from around the globe took part in multiple races around the iconic Zandvoort circuit.

Sim racers from countries such as Singapore, Japan, Romania, Malaysia, Brazil and the Republic of Ireland all took part as the final was also streamed live online.

Eventually, Jernej Dovžan from Slovenia emerged victorious ahead of Japan's Yuki Okonogi and Brazil's Felipe dos Santos Sousa.

Commenting on the final, Heineken 0.0 ambassador Verstappen said: "It’s incredible to see the passion and dedication of these racers. Player 0.0 continues to showcase the importance of skill, focus, and making the right choices—not just in racing, but in life."

Heineken's Global Head of Digital Consumer Innovation, Natacha Volpini added: "This year’s Player 0.0 Final reflects our dedication to blending innovation, responsibility, and entertainment.

"Through initiatives like this, we’re reaching new audiences and inspiring responsible choices worldwide."

Speaking to SPORTbible about Heineken Player 0.0 during the final in Madrid, Verstappen explained why the project has become one of his big passions away from F1.

"For me personally, it is a big passion of mine," he said.

"To see a lot of talent from all over the world participating is great because if you look at real racing it's only dominated by a few countries."

Max Verstappen with the top three finishers. Image: Heineken

Verstappen continued: "Here, everything is possible no matter where you're from and that is really exciting."

Looking ahead to 2025, Heineken promises to unveil even bigger plans for Player 0.0.

Max Verstappen was speaking to SPORTbible at the Heineken Player 0.0 final in Madrid, Spain. For more information, click here.