Verstappen: Formula 1 remains my main priority.

      Last Saturday Max Verstappen won a race on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife behind the wheel of a GT3-class car. On Thursday in Singapore the reigning world champion was happy to talk about the victory and the prospects of starting the 24-hour marathon on the Nordschleife in 2026.

      At the same time Max added that Formula 1 remains his main priority, and appearances in other racing series will largely depend on how things go in the world championship.

      “It was a lot of fun, but I prepared for it for a long time,” Max Verstappen commented on the GT3 victory. “I had a great two days, drove the car again in both wet and dry conditions, and gained extra experience.

      The win was an additional bonus, but does it make me a better driver? I’ve been racing GT3 on the simulator for many years, so driving the real car didn’t feel all that different. But one thing’s for sure: taking part in the race didn’t make me worse.

      The program for next year will depend on a number of factors, and first and foremost on Formula 1. I suspect the start of the season will be very difficult because of the switch to the new regulations, so the factor of uncertainty must also be taken into account.

      Most likely the start of next year under the new regulations will be more intense. On top of that, our GT3 team still has to decide which car to compete in and things like that. There are a lot of issues to resolve before I can make concrete plans for the drivers in our team and for myself.

      I want to return to GT3, but at the moment I simply don’t know how many races I’ll be able to do next year. But if the opportunity arises, and the situation in Formula 1 allows it, then of course I will start again.

      Formula 1 remains my priority. We have a lot of races, but I signed up for that myself. I’m not saying that the long Formula 1 season somehow upsets or disappoints me. I know I won’t compete forever. At the same time I need to be sure that the GT3 team is doing well and that they can compete in races. If there’s a chance to join them, and I want it myself, then I’ll get back behind the wheel.

      I suppose we all understand what 24-hour marathons are like. They take a lot of energy, so you have to miss some great races. I’m still young, and I’ll be able to take part in those kinds of races later.”