Verstappen's GT Racing Future Hinges on Red Bull's 2026 F1 Performance

Max Verstappen has successfully acquired his Nurburgring Nordschleife racing license, opening the door for him to compete in top-tier GT events. However, the four-time F1 World Champion's immediate foray into GT racing, particularly the Nurburgring 24 Hours, will largely depend on Red Bull's competitiveness in the new 2026 Formula 1 regulations.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's passion for endurance racing is well-known, and his pursuit of a Permit A license signals a serious intent to expand his racing portfolio beyond Formula 1. His ability to participate in high-profile GT events in 2026 will serve as a litmus test for how smoothly Red Bull adapts to the sweeping new F1 regulations, which include a brand-new, in-house developed power unit. A seamless transition for Red Bull could free up Verstappen's schedule and secure his long-term satisfaction with the team, while struggles might demand his full, undivided attention.

The details:

• License Acquired: Verstappen secured his Nurburgring Permit A by successfully competing in a detuned Porsche 718 Cayman GT4. He participated in a CUP3(G) class race, demonstrating proficiency in multi-class racing, without seeking special dispensation despite his F1 stature.
• No Incidents: Verstappen maintained a clean record during the race weekend, avoiding any accidents or yellow flag infringements, which streamlined the license acquisition process.
• Enjoyable Experience: Despite driving a downtuned car, Verstappen expressed enjoyment for the event, highlighting the learning experience, the challenge of traffic in varied conditions (wet and dry), and the passionate atmosphere at the Nurburgring.
• Future Ambitions: Verstappen's ultimate dream is to compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours, an event he is now eligible for. He also confirmed his interest in the Le Mans 24 Hours but ruled out chasing motorsport's 'Triple Crown' due to a lack of interest in IndyCar oval racing.
• Team Support: Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko is reportedly supportive of Verstappen's GT racing aspirations, recognizing his passion for endurance events, having raced in them himself.

Looking Ahead:

While the 2025 Nurburgring 24 Hours' non-clashing schedule with F1 makes it a theoretical possibility, Verstappen remains cautious about committing to any GT races in 2026. This hesitancy is directly tied to the significant uncertainty surrounding the new F1 regulations set to debut that year.

• 2026 F1 Impact: The 2026 season marks Red Bull's first as a fully autonomous entry with its own Red Bull Powertrains unit. Verstappen acknowledges the immense challenge and continuous work required to adapt to these revolutionary regulations.
• Performance Dependency: His participation in external events will depend heavily on Red Bull's immediate performance and stability under the new rules. If the team struggles, his focus will remain entirely on F1 to help overcome any challenges.
• Contractual Implications: Verstappen's contract runs until 2028, but his satisfaction with Red Bull's competitiveness is paramount. Allowing him to pursue his GT racing interests could be a key factor in keeping their star driver content and committed long-term, especially as the team navigates a pivotal regulatory shift.

The coming months will reveal more about Red Bull's development progress for 2026 and, by extension, the likelihood of seeing Verstappen compete in endurance races during his F1 career.