In a compelling demonstration of how virtual racing can pave the way to real-world motorsport success, 21-year-old Chris Lulham achieved his first podium finish in the GT World Challenge Sprint Cup at Brands Hatch. This milestone not only underscores Lulham's talent but also highlights Max Verstappen's commitment to nurturing sim racing talent through his Verstappen.com Racing initiative.

A Journey from Virtual Tracks to Real Circuits

Lulham's racing journey began at the tender age of seven, progressing through national karting championships and clinching titles like the 2016 X30 Junior IAME Euro and the 2017 IAME Euro Series. However, financial constraints led him to the realm of sim racing, where he quickly made a name for himself with Team Redline, sharing virtual tracks with none other than Max Verstappen.

Recognizing Lulham's potential, Verstappen facilitated his transition back to physical racing. In 2024, Lulham dominated the Radical Cup UK, securing 16 wins out of 18 races. This impressive performance paved the way for his entry into the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe, competing in both the Sprint and Endurance Cups under the Verstappen.com Racing banner.

Impressive Debut at Brands Hatch

At the opening round of the 2025 GT World Challenge Sprint Cup, Lulham, alongside co-driver Thierry Vermeulen, showcased remarkable skill and composure. Vermeulen secured pole position in their Emil Frey Racing Ferrari 296 GT3, leading the initial laps. Lulham maintained a competitive pace throughout his stint, ultimately finishing third overall and clinching first place in the Gold Cup classification: a category for driver pairings ranked Gold and below.

In Race 2, Lulham demonstrated resilience by holding off seasoned drivers, including former British GT champion Sandy Mitchell. Despite a slow pit stop that relegated them to ninth overall, they secured second in the Gold Cup, reinforcing their status as strong contenders in the series.

Verstappen’s Vision for Sim Racers

Max Verstappen's investment in Lulham's career reflects a broader vision to bridge the gap between sim racing and traditional motorsport. "It has always been my dream to support young drivers, and for a while now, I have been trying to create the possibility for a sim driver to progress to real-world racing," Verstappen stated, emphasizing his commitment to this innovative talent pipeline.

Verstappen.com Racing's strategy includes competing in both the Sprint and Endurance Cups, with Lulham and Vermeulen driving the Ferrari 296 GT3 in sprint events and teaming up with Harry King in the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 for endurance races.

Looking Ahead

Lulham's early success in the GT World Challenge sets a promising tone for the rest of the season. As he continues to adapt and grow, his performances will be closely watched by both fans and industry insiders. The next round at Zandvoort on May 16 offers another opportunity for Lulham to demonstrate his prowess and for Verstappen.com Racing to solidify their presence in the series.

This narrative of a sim racer ascending to real-world racing success not only inspires aspiring drivers but also signals a transformative shift in how talent is scouted and developed in motorsport.

Photo credit: David Klopman / Chris Lulham's Official Facebook Page