Stephane Ratel, the creator of the GT3 racing series, suggests that Max Verstappen’s interest in this motorsport discipline stems from its provision of an equitable environment where his skills can truly impact outcomes.
In an era where Formula 1 competitors seldom participate in races beyond their primary grand prix schedule—barring infrequent outings like the Race of Champions—Verstappen distinguishes himself by engaging with diverse racing vehicles.
Following his initial venture at the Nordschleife circuit last year, he is set to pursue a more extensive racing calendar in 2026, featuring his inaugural participation in the renowned Nurburgring 24 Hours scheduled for later in the current month.
The Dutch driver’s increasing partiality for GT3 competition aligns with his growing dissatisfaction with Formula 1, specifically concerning the 2026 regulations which have led him to publicly question his long-term involvement in the championship.
This year, Red Bull has not yet secured a top-three finish; however, Verstappen has repeatedly asserted that his choice regarding his F1 tenure will not be solely determined by the team’s performance.
Unlike F1, where technical rules frequently lead to extended stretches of one team’s supremacy—Verstappen personally experienced an unbeaten run from 2021 to 2024—GT3 racing employs a ‘Balance of Performance’ mechanism to level the playing field among vehicles and minimize external influences.
Ratel contends that this focus on equivalence shifts responsibility to the drivers, which is precisely why it attracts top-tier competitors such as Verstappen.
Ratel informed Autosport, stating, “My perspective is that Formula 1 primarily stands as the global drivers’ championship.”
“However, we are fully aware of the crucial roles played by the vehicle and the engineering teams. Even as the planet’s premier driver, a lack of access to the year’s leading car will present significant challenges. Ayrton Senna encountered difficulties with McLaren when Williams introduced active suspension systems.”
“It is possible to be the most skilled driver globally, yet if, for a particular season, you are not piloting the superior car, your prospects will be tough, as Formula 1 is, fundamentally, an engineering endeavor.”
“In the realm of GT racing, we’ve attained a near-perfect equilibrium. While absolute perfection is unattainable, we have, over time, refined an exceptionally precise Balance of Performance system. This ensures that the series is truly one where the drivers’ individual abilities are decisive. The focus is squarely on the competitors, as the vehicles themselves are remarkably evenly matched, creating a true stage for driver impact.”
“This is precisely why inherently competitive drivers, such as Max and Valentino [Rossi]—whose very essence is rivalry—value a category where they are confident in their ability to exert an influence. That is what this discipline has evolved into.”
“There’s an irony: Formula 1 is known as a drivers’ championship, while sportscar racing has historically been viewed as a manufacturers’ contest. Yet, ultimately, in contemporary GT racing, it is genuinely the drivers who have the power to sway outcomes.”
#3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing, Mercedes AMG GT3 EVO: Max Verstappen, Daniel Juncadella, Jules Gounon
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Verstappen’s Role in Propelling the GT3 Expansion
Last year, Verstappen participated in two NLS events. He secured a victory in his inaugural GT3 race at the Nordschleife, co-driving an Emil Frey Ferrari 296 GT3 with Chris Lulham, after first entering a Porsche Cayman GT4 RS to obtain the required Grade A license.
For the current year, his engagement with GT3 competitions has intensified, as Winward fields a Mercedes-AMG GT3, bearing the Verstappen Racing designation, across multiple NLS events.
Away from his F1 commitments, the Dutch racer frequently conducts private tests of GT3 vehicles, and he also piloted a Nissan Z GT500 car at Fuji Speedway in March for a Red Bull promotional initiative.
Verstappen’s endeavors in sportscar racing have contributed to elevating the recognition of a series established two decades prior, which has since become the standard framework for GT-style competition.
Ratel commented, stating, “Max is exceptional. His involvement has profoundly benefited the series.”
“However, he is neither the first nor the sole individual to have this effect. Throughout GT3’s history, several pivotal figures have helped broaden public awareness of the category. The first notable person, tragically lost last weekend, was Alex Zanardi. Valentino Rossi also played an immensely significant role.”
“Naturally, Max’s impact has been substantial since last year, starting when he began sharing updates about observing his team in our championship and now participating in the Nurburgring event. This generates tremendous interest and further enhances GT3 racing’s overall public acknowledgment.”
