{"id":3941,"date":"2026-10-14T03:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T06:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/?p=3941"},"modified":"2026-10-13T08:59:38","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T11:59:38","slug":"verstappens-racing-obsession-goes-beyond-f1-from-nurburgring-to-gt3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/endurance\/verstappens-racing-obsession-goes-beyond-f1-from-nurburgring-to-gt3\/","title":{"rendered":"Verstappen&#8217;s racing obsession goes beyond F1: from N\u00fcrburgring to GT3"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">News Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Max Verstappen has developed a racing programme outside F1<\/strong>, combining simulator competition, GT3 racing and driver development.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Dutchman has raced at the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife and expanded his involvement in major endurance events.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>His next appearance comes at Portim\u00e3o on October 17, sharing a Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Max Verstappen will return to GT3 competition at Portim\u00e3o this weekend, continuing a racing career outside Formula 1 that has developed from professional sim racing into real-world endurance competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The four-time F1 world champion will compete in the <strong>GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup finale on Saturday, October 17<\/strong>, driving the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO entered by his own Verstappen Racing programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The event represents another stage in a project that has grown considerably in recent years, with Verstappen investing in young drivers, racing teams and opportunities to compete in categories outside Formula 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His participation at Portim\u00e3o comes between the Singapore and United States Grands Prix, adding another race weekend to an already demanding schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Verstappen&#8217;s sim-racing career became a real-world project<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen has been involved in competitive sim racing for several years, particularly through Team Redline, one of the best-known organisations in professional virtual motorsport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Dutchman has regularly competed in online endurance races, sometimes participating during Formula 1 race weekends when his schedule allows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His virtual racing activities have included events modelled on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Daytona and N\u00fcrburgring endurance competitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although simulator racing does not reproduce every physical demand of a real GT3 car, it provides experience in traffic management, race strategy, concentration and driving consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Verstappen&#8217;s involvement goes beyond occasional appearances.<\/strong> He has helped develop drivers and create pathways between virtual racing and professional GT competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chris Lulham is one of the most prominent examples, progressing from Team Redline into the Verstappen Racing GT3 programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/24h-nurburgring-2026-7-1200x675.jpg?crop=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1001087902\" srcset=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/24h-nurburgring-2026-7-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/24h-nurburgring-2026-7-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/24h-nurburgring-2026-7-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/24h-nurburgring-2026-7-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/24h-nurburgring-2026-7-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/24h-nurburgring-2026-7.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Max Verstappen (Photo: Red Bull Content Pool)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">N\u00fcrburgring became Verstappen&#8217;s main GT3 proving ground<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife has played a particularly important role in Verstappen&#8217;s expansion into endurance racing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The German circuit is more than 20km long and combines high-speed sections, elevation changes and limited runoff areas, making it one of the most demanding venues in international motorsport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen initially developed his familiarity with the Nordschleife through simulator competition before moving into real-world GT3 machinery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His programme included testing and racing at the circuit as he pursued the necessary qualifications to compete in higher-level endurance events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The experience provided a very different challenge from Formula 1, where drivers operate highly specialised single-seaters on shorter, modern circuits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>At the Nordschleife, GT3 drivers must manage slower traffic, changing grip conditions and a much wider range of racing situations<\/strong>, particularly during multi-class events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen&#8217;s interest in the venue has also influenced his team&#8217;s development programme and the selection of endurance events in which it competes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Verstappen Racing expands from Ferrari and Aston Martin to Mercedes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen Racing has used different GT3 manufacturers as its programme has developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During 2025, the operation was involved with Aston Martin machinery in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup, while Chris Lulham also competed in a Ferrari 296 GT3 through an arrangement with Emil Frey Racing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For 2026, Verstappen Racing established a multi-year partnership with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The programme now uses the <strong>Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO<\/strong>, with 2 Seas Motorsport responsible for the technical and operational aspects of the team&#8217;s entries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The arrangement allows Verstappen to develop a professional GT racing structure without directly operating every part of the organisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It also creates an unusual contrast with his Formula 1 career: Verstappen competes for Red Bull Racing in F1 while his GT3 programme uses machinery from Mercedes-AMG.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read more about <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/endurance\/verstappen-races-a-mercedes-despite-red-bull-f1-ties-inside-his-gt3-team\/\">why Verstappen races a Mercedes despite his Red Bull F1 commitments<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What has Verstappen achieved in GT3 racing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen&#8217;s real-world GT3 activities have included appearances at the N\u00fcrburgring and involvement in his team&#8217;s endurance campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His N\u00fcrburgring programme has been particularly important because it allowed him to experience longer races, driver changes and traffic management in a competitive environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2026 N\u00fcrburgring 24 Hours also provided a major test for Verstappen Racing, with the team running competitively before a mechanical failure compromised its result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although Verstappen&#8217;s reputation is primarily based on his Formula 1 achievements, his GT3 appearances have demonstrated his commitment to learning a different discipline rather than treating endurance racing as a promotional activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His programme has also helped provide opportunities for other drivers to compete in major international events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Verstappen wants to race outside Formula 1<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen has repeatedly expressed his interest in endurance racing, particularly events such as the N\u00fcrburgring 24 Hours and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GT3 competition allows him to race different machinery, share a car with teammates and compete against drivers from a variety of professional backgrounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It also provides an opportunity to develop the Verstappen Racing organisation while maintaining his Formula 1 career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Dutchman&#8217;s involvement in sim racing has remained an important part of that programme, particularly in identifying and supporting drivers capable of transitioning into real-world competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His approach reflects a broader interest in motorsport beyond the Formula 1 championship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Portim\u00e3o adds another chapter to Verstappen&#8217;s GT3 career<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen will compete at the <strong>Aut\u00f3dromo Internacional do Algarve on Saturday, October 17<\/strong>, sharing the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The race is the final round of the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, with more than 60 GT3 cars expected to compete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Dutchman will also share the grid with nine-time motorcycle world champion Valentino Rossi, who will race a BMW M4 GT3 EVO for Team WRT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read more about <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/endurance\/verstappen-vs-valentino-rossi-two-world-champions-meet-in-gt3-at-portimao\/\">Verstappen and Valentino Rossi competing in the same GT3 race at Portim\u00e3o<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>GRANDE PR\u00caMIO<\/strong> Brazil will broadcast the event live on GPTV and YouTube, including practice, qualifying and Saturday&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the full programme, see <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/endurance\/where-is-max-verstappen-racing-this-weekend-gt-world-challenge-europe-explained\/\">where Max Verstappen is racing this weekend<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Max Verstappen&#8217;s passion for racing extends far beyond Formula 1. From virtual endurance events to the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife and his own Mercedes-AMG GT3 programme, the four-time world champion has steadily expanded his activities into sports-car racing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1001088638,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"42wp_featured_image_caption":"Max Verstappen","42wp_featured_image_credits":"Red Bull Content Pool","42wp_featured_video":"","42wp_featured_image_hidden":false,"42wp_authors_list":[{"id":7,"location":""}],"footnotes":"","42wp_breaking_news":false},"categories":[46],"tags":[483,64,482,666],"42wp_author":[7],"class_list":["post-3941","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-endurance","tag-gt3","tag-max-verstappen","tag-nurburgring","tag-verstappen-racing","42wp_author-victor-martins"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3941","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3941"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3941\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3942,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3941\/revisions\/3942"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1001088638"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3941"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3941"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3941"},{"taxonomy":"42wp_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/42wp_author?post=3941"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}