Verstappen embracing GT3 amid new future speculation.

Verstappen embracing GT3 amid new future speculation.

      Max Verstappen has expressed his desire to compete "as much as possible" outside of Formula 1 as he prepares for his first Nurburgring 24 Hours race next weekend. The Dutch driver's expanding GT3 program has ignited speculation regarding his future in Formula 1 and his dissatisfaction with the controversial regulations set for 2026.

      Verstappen is set to drive a Red Bull-branded Mercedes-AMG GT3 at the Nordschleife this month, which some find surprising given Red Bull’s partnership with Ford for F1 engines. Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya suggested that Ford might not be pleased to see its leading driver racing for a competitor, indicating he would "pressure Max" to refrain from such engagements.

      This situation has added fuel to the ongoing speculation about a potential move for Verstappen to Mercedes, Ferrari, or even a complete departure from F1. Former Red Bull driver David Coulthard believes that Ferrari would be the best fit for Verstappen. “I think Max fits the Ferrari environment better than the Mercedes one,” he stated on the Up To Speed podcast. “While he has a good relationship with Mercedes and participates in GT3 events with their cars, the opportunity to be himself would be more suited at Ferrari, where he could just focus on racing quickly and potentially winning before heading home.”

      In contrast, Mercedes drivers seem to have less freedom to compete outside of F1, with George Russell recently admitting that Mercedes does not currently permit him to race GT3 cars. Verstappen himself conveyed his interest in more endurance racing in Miami, saying, “Of course I want to do more, but it also depends a little on the calendar.” He noted that if there had been an open weekend for the 24 Hours of Spa, he would have competed in that as well, acknowledging the clash with the Austrian GP this year.

      Verstappen's Nurburgring participation follows a tense F1 weekend in Miami, where midfield tensions rose after his early spin and assertive recovery. Carlos Sainz criticized Verstappen for acting differently due to being in the midfield, stating, “He thinks he can do whatever he wants just because he’s racing the midfield, knowing we won’t fight him and will have to let him by.”

      Verstappen dismissed the criticism, questioning, “What was aggressive?” He added, “I don’t know; it's a bit of a jungle in the midfield, so I’m not sure how to respond.” This situation comes amidst fresh rumors suggesting that both Sainz and Oscar Piastri could be potential long-term replacements for Verstappen if he decides to leave Red Bull.

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Verstappen embracing GT3 amid new future speculation.

Formula 1 | Max Verstappen expresses his desire to compete as frequently as he can beyond Formula 1 as the four-time world champion gears up for his debut at the Nurburgring 24 (...).