Max Verstappen rules out F1 team ownership, commits to endurance expansion

Max Verstappen has ruled out expanding Verstappen Racing onto the Formula 1 grid, calling the prospect "way too demanding" for his current lifestyle and ambitions. In an interview with Formule 1 Magazine, the four-time champion instead outlined plans to grow the team through endurance and GT racing while balancing his Red Bull commitments and his growing family.

Why it matters:

Verstappen Racing has already proven competitive outside F1, having claimed a GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup win at Magny-Cours this month and supported Verstappen's Nurburgring 24 Hours debut in May. His decision to steer clear of F1 ownership signals a distinct legacy plan focused on endurance competition and nurturing sim-to-real talent rather than managing a grand prix operation.

The details:

• Verstappen told Formule 1 Magazine he wants a professional team competing for wins across multiple classes within two decades, but stressed, "not toward Formula 1 or anything like that."
• He cited the 24-race calendar and his hands-on nature as dealbreakers, stating he could not detach from day-to-day operations or "lie on a beach for five races" without knowing his team's status.
• The Dutchman also revealed plans to scout sim racers and transition them into real-world cockpits as part of Verstappen Racing's development pipeline.
• On track, Verstappen arrives at the Dutch Grand Prix still seeking his first 2026 victory despite recent podiums in Belgium and Hungary. He holds sixth in the championship with 109 points, 110 adrift of leader Kimi Antonelli.

What's next:

Verstappen Racing will continue its push into endurance rather than single-seaters, with expansion timing potentially tied to Verstappen's own F1 future. Away from the cockpit, he is embracing fatherhood with daughter Lily and considering a career museum, while backing Zandvoort's decision to end its current F1 deal and suggesting future demo days could keep Dutch motorsport enthusiasm alive.