Verstappen welcoming GT3 in light of new future speculations

      Max Verstappen has expressed his desire to compete "as much as possible" outside of Formula 1 as he prepares for his debut at the Nurburgring 24 Hours next weekend. The expanding GT3 program for the Dutch racer has led to speculation regarding his future in Formula 1, especially amid his dissatisfaction with the contentious 2026 regulations.

      Verstappen is set to drive a Red Bull-branded Mercedes-AMG GT3 at the Nordschleife this month, which some observers find surprising due to Red Bull's engine partnership with Ford in F1. Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has suggested that Ford may not be pleased with their star driver racing in a competitor’s car, indicating he would "pressure Max" to cease such activities.

      This situation has heightened ongoing speculation connecting Verstappen to Mercedes, Ferrari, and even the possibility of leaving Formula 1 altogether. Ex-Red Bull driver David Coulthard believes Ferrari would be a better match for Verstappen. "I think Max actually fits more comfortably in the Ferrari environment than in the Mercedes world," he shared on the Up To Speed podcast. "While I know about his good relationship with Mercedes and his participation in GT3 events with them, I believe that he would have more freedom to be himself at Ferrari—just showing up, racing fast, potentially winning, and then going home."

      In contrast, Mercedes drivers seem to have less liberty outside of Formula 1, with George Russell recently acknowledging that Mercedes wouldn't currently permit him to compete in GT3 events. Verstappen made it clear in Miami that he yearns to engage in more endurance racing. "Of course I want to do more, but it also depends somewhat on the calendar," he told Dutch publication Formule 1. "For instance, had there been a free weekend for the 24 Hours of Spa, I would have participated this year as well." He added, "So if there’s an opportunity to race, I’d be happy to do so." The Spa 24 Hours is scheduled to overlap with the Austrian GP this year.

      Verstappen's upcoming Nurburgring race follows a tense Formula 1 weekend in Miami, where friction resurfaced in the midfield after his early spin and assertive recovery drive. Carlos Sainz accused Verstappen of altering his behavior simply because he was temporarily racing outside the frontrunners. "He thinks he can do whatever he wants just because he’s racing in the midfield," Sainz remarked. "Knowing that we’re in the midfield, we’re not going to fight him and will have to let him through at some point."

      Verstappen dismissed the criticism, responding, "What was aggressive?" Adding, "I don’t know; it’s a bit of a jungle in the midfield, so I’m not really sure what to say." This incident comes as new speculation emerges regarding Sainz and Oscar Piastri potentially being long-term replacements if Verstappen opts to leave Red Bull.