The prospect of participating in the Nurburgring 24 Hours next year is appealing to Max Verstappen, as he now intends to take a hiatus from GT3 endeavors for the remainder of this year. However, his participation hinges on the complexity of Formula 1’s 2026 regulations.
Verstappen, alongside his associate and GT driver Chris Lulham, secured a victory in the ninth round of the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie the prior weekend. They were piloting a Ferrari 296 GT3 car, which was managed by Emil Frey Racing.
Considering the demanding nature of the remaining F1 season, as well as the limited chances to participate in future rounds due to scheduling conflicts, Verstappen conveys his intention to take a break from GT3 racing for the rest of this year. Nonetheless, he hopes to engage in more races the following year.
The challenge resides in the requirements of the 2026 regulations. Verstappen anticipates that the intricacies of the upcoming year’s vehicle will necessitate more time from the drivers to achieve a thorough comprehension, whereas 2025 denotes the fourth year within a relatively stable set of rules.
He states that he will determine his schedule closer to the actual time, but he certainly has aspirations to compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours the next year.
“Indeed, it was immensely enjoyable, I’ve been preparing for it for quite some time,” Verstappen remarked regarding his GT3 victory. “It’s simply two exceptionally pleasant days, once again racing a bit in both wet and dry conditions, thereby acquiring more and more experience.”
#31 Emil Frey Racing, Ferrari 296 GT3: Max Verstappen, Chris Lulham
Photo by: Ferrari
“Of course, achieving victory constitutes an added advantage. However, does it contribute to my enhancement as a driver? I’ve been engaged in this activity for numerous years through the simulator, hence, partaking in it in real life now isn’t significantly dissimilar for me. Nevertheless, it certainly doesn’t have a detrimental effect, I believe I can assert that.”
“[Next year] is contingent upon various factors, frankly speaking. It primarily depends on F1; I anticipate that, given next year’s regulations, it will initially be highly intricate, characterized by certain uncertainties.”
“It will presumably be somewhat more frenetic compared to the conclusion of a regulation where elements are more straightforward. Additionally, there’s the GT3 team’s program, including which car we’ll be racing the following year, among other aspects. Consequently, a multitude of elements still need to converge before I can effectively plan in advance, not only for my current drivers within the team but also for myself.”
“We aspire to return there; I’m simply uncertain at present regarding the number of races I can participate in next year. Nonetheless, if an opportunity presents itself and I feel optimistic about it, along with whatever transpires in F1, then certainly.”
Verstappen suggests that even if he is unable to participate in additional GT3 races the following year, he will possess ample opportunities to investigate sportscar racing more thoroughly once he departs from F1.
He emphasized that F1 remains his primary concentration, therefore, he believed he shouldn’t be excessively disheartened if there are too many scheduling conflicts.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Mark Thompson / Getty Images
“F1 persists as my principal objective; it encompasses numerous races, but that aligns with my commitment. Hence, I’m neither agitated nor dissatisfied about it.”
“I also understand that I won’t be engaged in this indefinitely, therefore, it’s imperative to ensure the seamless operation of the GT3 team and their preparedness. Consequently, it’s relatively effortless for me to participate, should I desire.”
“I believe we all acknowledge that 24 races constitute a considerable number; occasionally, one forgoes the opportunity to engage in other remarkable races. Nevertheless, concurrently, I remain relatively young, so I can still compensate for those kinds of races subsequently.”
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– The Autosport.com Team
