Max Verstappen’s recent debut in GT3 racing at the Nurburgring has sparked interest from his Formula 1 rival, Lando Norris, who has expressed a desire to tackle the challenging Nordschleife circuit himself. The Max Verstappen Nurburgring Challenge unfolded last weekend, with the four-time world champion securing his DMSB Permit A in Germany just two weeks prior, enabling him to compete in his Ferrari 296 GT3 during the event held on Saturday.
Verstappen’s unexpected switch to endurance racing has inspired Norris to consider diversifying his racing career beyond Formula 1. The British driver shared his enthusiasm for attempting his own Nurburgring run one day and also revealed an interest in competing at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. Meanwhile, McLaren has announced plans to enter the World Endurance Championship in 2027, unveiling a papaya-colored Hypercar designed for the series, increasing the appeal for Norris to explore other motorsport arenas.
Lando Norris Contemplates Endurance Racing Challenges
Before his Formula 1 breakthrough, Norris already gained experience in endurance racing by participating in the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2018. Alongside notable drivers Fernando Alonso and Phil Hanson, he drove a Ligier JS P217-Gibson for United Autosports, where their team finished 13th in their class. Norris acknowledges that his future may include more than just Formula 1, opening the door to various racing disciplines.
I’m not going to be in Formula 1 forever. I want to go and do other things and live my life – try other things, you know,
Lando Norris said.
He expanded on his ambitions by admitting an openness to mixing Formula 1 with other racing experiences or pursuing new challenges after his F1 career ends. Endurance events like Le Mans, Daytona, or Sebring remain of interest, though he is certain that oval racing does not appeal to him.
I loved doing Daytona. I did it with Fernando, so it was a cool experience for me at the time. But whether it’s Le Mans or Daytona or Sebring, whatever it might be. I want to go do other things. I think the main thing I probably will never do is oval racing, just not for me.
Lando Norris added.
The Growing Role of Endurance Racing Within F1 Teams
Verstappen’s participation in endurance racing has not only caught the attention of drivers like Norris but also aligns with the evolving focus of major Formula 1 teams. McLaren’s commitment to the World Endurance Championship with their newly introduced Hypercar highlights a shift towards broader motorsport engagement. This transition creates new pathways for established F1 drivers to test their skills in endurance formats, offering fresh competitive challenges on iconic circuits such as the Nordschleife.
As Norris ponders following Verstappen’s footsteps, the motorsport community watches closely, anticipating how these ventures might influence the careers of top F1 talents and the sport’s dynamics in coming years. The blend of traditional Formula 1 racing with endurance events could redefine driver portfolios, with increased crossover becoming a notable trend moving forward.
