Vandoorne eyes GT racing, inspired by Verstappen

Former F1 driver and current Peugeot WEC competitor Stoffel Vandoorne has named the 24 Hours of Spa as his dream GT race to compete in, citing Max Verstappen's diverse racing schedule as an inspiration for modern drivers to explore different disciplines. Vandoorne acknowledges logistical challenges but remains confident he will eventually make the switch to top-level GT competition.

Why it matters:

Vandoorne's ambition highlights a growing trend where elite drivers are no longer confined to a single championship, seeking new challenges and keeping their skills sharp across various racing formats. This cross-pollination, pioneered by stars like Verstappen, enriches multiple series and offers fans a more complete view of a driver's versatility and talent beyond their primary category.

The details:

• Dream Target: Vandoorne specifically identified the iconic 24 Hours of Spa as his top goal, also mentioning Australia's Bathurst 12 Hour and the Nürburgring 24h as attractive events.
• Current Commitments: His primary focus remains his full-time drive with Peugeot Sport in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), coupled with his reserve driver role for the Aston Martin F1 Team. This packed schedule has historically created clashes, preventing GT outings.
• Selective Approach: Vandoorne emphasized the need to be selective, waiting for the "right conditions" rather than jumping into any available opportunity.
• Verstappen's Influence: He pointed to Verstappen's active schedule outside F1 as a positive shift, breaking down old barriers that once limited drivers from participating in other series. Vandoorne believes this freedom is "pretty great" for driver development.
• The Value of Variety: Switching between Formula E, WEC hypercars, and F1 machinery keeps him "sharp," forcing constant adaptation and learning. He notes that technical development in Formula E, particularly around systems, often provides benefits that transfer to his WEC program.
• Future Series in Sight: Beyond GT racing, Vandoorne expressed a long-term interest in competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, potentially later in his career.

What's next:

While no immediate GT debut is scheduled due to calendar conflicts, Vandoorne's intent is clear. His statement, "I think it will happen, I just don’t know when yet," signals a matter of timing rather than uncertainty. As the racing calendar evolves and the trend of driver mobility continues, seeing Vandoorne on the grid at Spa-Francorchamps for the 24-hour classic seems a likely next chapter in his accomplished motorsport career.