Verstappen’s remarkable night at the Supercars office

He’s regarded as one of the best drivers on the planet and Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen showed why in a remarkable wildcard debut in the BP Supercars All Stars Eseries.

WATCH: SHANE AND MAX BATTLE IT OUT IN ROUND 2 

From his home in Monaco, Verstappen claimed two podium finishes, 2nd in his first ever race against Supercars drivers and 2nd again at the virtual Barcelona circuit twice, just behind his good friend Shane van Gisbergen.

Van Gisbergen revealed in the broadcast that Verstappen watched last week’s opening round of the BP Eseries and immediately messaged his kiwi counterpart saying he wanted to join as a wildcard.

“I always wanted to try it, so at the moment the best way possible is virtual,” Verstappen told Fox Sports.

“Shane, he likes to crash into me when we are driving together, I don’t know why that is … but he always thinks its my fault and I am of course blaming him,” he joked.

“We have a lot of fun racing together.”

“In a V8 car, I’m still getting used to it, I definitely not the best at this car, for my feeling I am struggling a bit, but it’s fun.”

The Dutchman showed his class in qualifying, with two 6th place grid starts and one from 5th, less than half a second behind the pole position winners in each session.

It was in the races where the 21-year old showed his class.

In the opening race at a virtual Silverstone circuit, Verstappen jumped from 6th to 4th off the start and moved in behind two-time defending Supercars Champion and expert iRacer Scott McLaughlin and pre-series favourite van Gisbergen.

As Lap 2 started, van Gisbergen and McLaughlin traded paint and tussled for position.

As the kiwi duo did everything they could to protect their positions, Verstappen swooped and stole second place. From there he held on to finish behind Anton De Pasquale for his first ever BP Supercars Eseries podium.

The reverse grid race didn’t go his way, getting caught in the pack and suffering major damage, finishing back in 18th position.

At Barcelona, a circuit where Verstappen claimed his maiden F1 Grand Prix victory, the Aston Martin Red Bull ace was again classy against a field of experienced Supercars iRacers.

He finished 2nd in both races at Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya behind van Gisbergen.

“It was a lot of fun, these cars are definitely not easy to drive,” Verstappen said after the races.

“To be three times 2nd, is not a bad result, and twice a 1-2 for Red Bull.”

When questioned on whether he will return to the BP All Stars Eseries Verstappen said he’s willing to line up again on the Supercars grid.

“I don’t know am I invited?” he joked.

“Let’s see what’s possible in the coming weeks. It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it.”