Max Verstappen alternates his F1 commitments this year with outings to GT3. Between China and Japan, the Dutchman was already at the Nürburgring for NLS2, while during the spring break he was involved in the qualifying races on the notorious German circuit. All of this is in preparation for his participation in the 24-hour race in mid-May. In Miami, he also revealed that he would prefer to participate in even more GT3 races.
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Thanks to the packed F1 calendar – which initially counted 24 Grands Prix this year – it is difficult for drivers to focus on other disciplines. Nevertheless, Verstappen registered this year with his own racing team for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. With his participation, a long-cherished dream comes true. The cancellation of the Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia offered some breathing room, although Verstappen must for now limit himself to outings to the Nürburgring. If the calendar had been more favorable, he would have participated in more endurance races.
In the run-up to the GP of Miami, Max Verstappen looked ahead to the 24-hour race, which takes place on the weekend of May 16 and 17. “We are as well prepared as possible,” he told the press in Florida. “But ultimately, of course, it also depends on the Balance of Performance we end up with.” Because there are large differences between the various cars in GT3 racing, the performance of certain teams is restricted to create a level playing field.
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24 Hours of Spa
“In terms of driver lineup, we are well positioned,” Verstappen noted. The Dutchman is joined by Austrian Lucas Auer, Frenchman Jules Gounon, and Spaniard Daniel Juncadella. All have extensive GT3 experience and already raced together with Verstappen in the preparatory races. “The team is strong,” he confirmed. “We mainly have to make sure the car stays intact, especially during a 24-hour race.”
Verstappen is clearly very enthusiastic about the upcoming race weekend. If the F1 calendar had allowed it, he would have wanted to race even more endurance events. “For example, if there had been a free weekend for the 24 Hours of Spa, I would have raced that this year as well,” he revealed finally. This race coincides this year with the GP of Austria. “If I get the chance somewhere, I like to participate.”
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