Fans overwhelmingly support Verstappen's GT racing activities

A vast majority of Formula 1 fans believe Max Verstappen's GT3 racing activities are beneficial for his motivation and performance with Red Bull, rather than a distraction, according to a recent poll. The survey results align with Red Bull team leadership, who fully support the champion's passion projects outside of F1.

Why it matters:

In an era where driver schedules are increasingly demanding and focused solely on F1, Verstappen's active pursuit of other racing disciplines is a notable exception. This debate touches on athlete well-being, motivation, and performance optimization. With Verstappen openly critical of F1's future direction, his extracurricular racing provides a crucial outlet that could be key to maintaining his competitive edge during a period of regulatory uncertainty for his dominant team.

The details:

• A RacingNews365 poll revealed that 90.8% of responding fans see Verstappen's endurance racing as a positive, keeping him motivated and focused. Only 9.2% viewed it as a potential hindrance.
• Verstappen competes with his own team, Verstappen Racing, fielding a Mercedes-AMG GT3 with support from Red Bull and partner Winward Racing. His 2026 program is centered on the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
• Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has given his full backing, emphasizing Verstappen's genuine, all-encompassing passion for motorsport. "It's enough to speak for a few minutes with Max, and you see his face light up, his eyes light up when he talks about racing cars, and it doesn't matter what type of cars," Mekies stated.
• Mekies dismissed any concerns about commitment, noting, "I have no doubts about his motivation. His way of working with us and his commitment to improvements is the same as last season."

The big picture:

Verstappen's GT3 endeavors offer a stark contrast to the political and often critical environment of the current F1 paddock, where he has been a vocal skeptic of the 2026 regulations. This alternative racing outlet appears to serve as a positive release valve. The fan sentiment suggests a growing appreciation for drivers maintaining a broader connection to grassroots motorsport, viewing it as a source of purity and passion that can positively feed back into their primary F1 role.

What's next:

Verstappen will continue his GT3 program with preparation races leading up to the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May. The overwhelming fan and team support suggests this will remain a fixture in his schedule. As Red Bull navigates the challenges of the new 2026 regulatory era, keeping Verstappen engaged and motivated through activities he genuinely loves could prove to be a strategic advantage, potentially prolonging his peak performance and commitment to the team.