As per Max Verstappen, it could be “perilous” to solely fixate on Formula 1, a perspective formed after the four-time world champion’s foray into endurance racing at the Nordschleife.
Last weekend saw Verstappen piloting a Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 CS in the four-hour ADAC ACAS Cup, aiming to secure a GT3 licence for the infamous ‘Green Hell.’ This objective was successfully met, with the permit granted via committee decision.
Unsurprisingly, the Dutch driver later voiced his “dream” of competing in the Nurburgring 24 Hours, reflecting Verstappen’s well-documented enthusiasm for endurance racing.
He recently stirred excitement among fans by undertaking a Nurburgring test under the alias ‘Franz Hermann,’ and Verstappen also presides over a GT team. Moreover, he has refrained from fully committing to F1 beyond 2028.
That marks the conclusion of his present contract with Red Bull. He has stated in the past that his departure will occur once his fervor for the championship diminishes. For instance, after marking his 200th grand prix start the previous year, he remarked that he was in the latter portion of his career.
“It hinges on a driver’s mindset. If one’s focus is entirely on Formula 1, resisting any change in perspective, it’s akin to speaking to a wall,” Verstappen commented before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
#980 Lionspeed GP, Porsche Cayman GT4 – Max Verstappen
Photo by: Jan Brucke/VLN
“I often advise drivers close to me, who aspire to Formula 1, to maintain open options in case things don’t pan out. Opportunities aren’t guaranteed, regardless of talent.
“I also believe endurance racing offers numerous avenues for a fulfilling career. Solely targeting Formula 1 can be a risky approach.”
His words strongly indicate his potential future in racing. Verstappen has expressed disinterest in racing into his 40s, a path chosen by fellow world champions Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, yet he won’t necessarily retire completely.
This sets him apart from many contemporary world champions who have limited themselves to F1, unlike the earlier eras of grand prix racing when figures like Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio also participated in sportscar events.
Consequently, it is logical that Verstappen greatly admires Alonso, one of the few recent world champions who has displayed interest in diverse racing forms. The Spanish racer boasts two Le Mans 24 Hours victories, along with participations in the Daytona 24 Hours, Indianapolis 500, and even the Dakar Rally.
“His past endeavors, such as endurance racing and Dakar, are incredibly impressive,” Verstappen stated in Baku.
#310 Toyota Gazoo Racing: Fernando Alonso, Marc Coma
Photo by: A.S.O.
“It highlights his intrinsic passion for racing, irrespective of whether it’s a Formula 1 vehicle.”
Verstappen evidently cherishes the fervor of racing above everything. Having realized his aspiration of becoming a world champion, accumulating substantial wealth, and initiating a family life away from the circuit with his partner Kelly Piquet’s recent childbirth.
These aspects are illustrative of the elements that might potentially lead Verstappen away from F1 at the close of 2028. Concurrently, sportscar racing could be harmonious with his lifestyle, considering the 2025 World Endurance Championship, for instance, involves merely eight races.
However, continuous participation in single-seaters following F1 seems improbable, as he negated any possibility of pursuing the Triple Crown—achieved by clinching the Monaco GP, Le Mans 24 Hours, and Indianapolis 500.
“Le Mans, indeed, yet the triple crown doesn’t captivate me. I relish watching IndyCar, but I don’t feel compelled to drive it personally,” he articulated.
