Like a real Formula 1 driver racing through the bend at 200 kilometers per hour. It’s possible this weekend in Eindhoven. Not in real life, but in a simulator. The British team McLaren is looking for top drivers and that attracts a lot of speed monsters. “This is something different from the steering wheel I have at home,” says Indra, who steps into the simulator for the umpteenth time.
On the 18 Septemberplein there is a large truck with a sports car in front, which attracts many people. Most who come to take a look are fans of Max Verstappen and not of Lando Norris, McLaren’s number 1 driver. But that should not spoil the fun. “McLaren is far from a competitor, so this is also nice to see,” says Göran.
Next to him, Indra sits behind the wheel. He is a fan of the British driver and was immediately enthusiastic when he heard that the team would come to Eindhoven. “Today I stopped working early so I could participate in this.” Indra also has a simulator at home and is now at the top of the ranking. “You can win tickets to Zandvoort, so I keep going to improve my score.”
“It’s more important that influencers don’t promote snus.”
Coincidentally, the McLaren Formula 1 team has also been under fire since Friday. Health organizations are angry that the team is advertising Velo during the Grand Prix in Zandvoort. That is a brand of snus, nicotine bags that are banned in the Netherlands.
The fans in Eindhoven are not that worried about it. “On the one hand, it is understandable that they are complaining about it, but Formula 1 has to rely on the sponsors,” says Youbi. Indra thinks it’s all a bit exaggerated. “I don’t think that advertising on a car encourages young people to start using snus. I think it is more important that influencers do not promote it on social media.” A spokesperson for the McLaren team declined to comment.
