Reigning double F1 world champion Max Verstappen has signed a partnership with gaming giant EA Sports.
The deal will see Verstappen work with the gaming publisher to create content for games across the EA Sports’ titles. The EA logo will also feature prominently on Verstappen’s helmet during the season.EA Sports publish the best-selling annual sports games franchises FIFA (EA Sports FC), Madden NFL as well as the official NHL ice hockey game. Most notably, EA Sports owns the exclusive license to produce Formula 1 games through its ownership of developer Codemasters.
Although he is known to be an avid FIFA player, Verstappen has previously been critical of the official F1 game series, famously declining to take part in the virtual grand prix series on the F1 2019 game which was run during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.
Verstappen says he is “proud” to join with EA Sports for the 2023 season. “Whether it’s playing games with my friends or staying competitive when away from the track, EA Sports has always been a big part of my life,” Verstappen said in a statement. “EA Sports is an icon for so many millions of fans, and I’m proud to represent them for the 2023 season.”
Senior vice president of brand for EA Sports and Racing, Andrea Hopelain, said the publisher was excited to include Verstappen in content across their titles.
“Max is a tenacious competitor and true champion who shares a deep love of games and play,” said Hopelain.
“As he races into Formula 1 history, we are excited to collaborate with him as one of the best athletes in the world to bring more fans together through our EA Sports experiences.”
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Niki101
3rd February 2023, 17:22
He doesn’t say he’s “proud”, he says he’s proud!
Exediron (@exediron)
4th February 2023, 3:29
Somehow, it feels odd for the F1 driver who has been the most openly critical of the F1 game to sign a partnership with the company that publishes it…
MonkasaurusRex
4th February 2023, 4:41
If only EA Sports was much bigger than just it’s association with the F1 Series
Kurik
4th February 2023, 5:54
£££££££££££
Tunde
4th February 2023, 6:36
well, Hamilton is the only hypocrite…
HC
4th February 2023, 7:08
He’s not a nice person. Anybody who isn’t dutch isn’t going to warm to this.
Yaboy
4th February 2023, 9:00
If you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say it at all
Mike
4th February 2023, 9:40
So verstappen should never speak again.