Max Verstappen’s Rare Freedom to Race GT Cars Revealed by David Coulthard

Max Verstappen’s Red Bull contract uniquely allows him to race GT cars, a freedom only a handful of drivers enjoy. Former F1 driver David Coulthard explained the rarity of such clauses while recalling his own contractual restrictions.

Why it matters:

Competing outside Formula 1 broadens Verstappen’s skill set, gives Red Bull extra marketing exposure, and shows a level of trust many teams lack. It also shows how contract language can shape a driver’s career options.

The details:

• GT3 debut on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2023, marking his first official sports‑car outing.
• 2026 schedule: a four‑hour GT race and a Nürburgring 24‑Hour debut in May.
• He’s tested GT cars for years and often drives other race cars on Red Bull filming days.
• Coulthard’s early contracts: Williams banned extreme activities; McLaren allowed skiing only if injury meant loss of pay.
• Verstappen’s Red Bull deal includes a clause that permits non‑F1 racing, a rarity in driver contracts.

What's next:

Verstappen will likely add more GT events as he prepares for the Nürburgring 24‑Hour race later this year. Continued success could push other top drivers to seek similar flexibility, prompting teams to rethink off‑track activity policies.