Max Verstappen has encouraged aspiring racers to explore endurance racing as an alternative career option, emphasizing the challenges of the traditional single-seater progression toward Formula 1. Speaking before the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the Red Bull and four-time world champion highlighted the benefits of diversifying one’s motorsport path beyond the singular focus on Formula 1.
The Dutch driver explained that although pursuing Formula 1 is a rewarding goal, it often involves difficult setbacks, heartbreak, and significant financial demands. In contrast, GT and endurance racing provide ample opportunities for talented drivers to build successful careers. Verstappen himself has experienced GT and endurance events firsthand, most recently competing in the GT4 class at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which added to his racing repertoire outside of Formula 1.
Despite his personal involvement, Verstappen acknowledged the difficulty of persuading young drivers to widen their ambitions. He stressed that endurance and GT racing should be seen as valuable choices in their own right, rather than fallback options for those unable to secure a Formula 1 seat. Over the years, the 27-year-old champion has shared this advice with many junior drivers, cautioning against focusing exclusively on Formula 1.
Verstappen’s Advice to Young Racers on Expanding Career Horizons
When asked about his advice for young drivers who remain fixed on the single-seater route rather than considering GT or endurance racing, Verstappen emphasized the role of mindset.
“Well, it all depends on your own mindset as a driver, because if your mindset is set on Formula 1, and you do not want to change that perception, then you’re talking to a wall, right? So, sometimes it’s some of the drivers that I’m close to, they all dream of Formula 1. But I also always advise that keep the options open just in case it doesn’t work out, because not everyone always gets the opportunity, even though you might be good enough. And I also do think that with endurance racing there are a lot of opportunities to have a good career, and just to stare blindly on Formula 1 only sometimes can be a danger as well.”
— Max Verstappen, Formula 1 World Champion
“But I also know that a lot of drivers dream of being here, so it’s not easy to give up that dream as well. But I always feel that once they’re a driver, let’s say they start realizing they might not make it, and they start trying a GT3 car or whatever, a hypercar, they fall in love with it as well. But maybe sometimes it just takes a bit more time to convince them to not only stare on Formula 1, but like I said, it all depends on the driver’s mindset as well, to be open-minded.”
— Max Verstappen, Formula 1 World Champion
His statements underline that mentality often dictates a driver’s willingness to embrace alternative disciplines. Verstappen recognizes the passion young racers have for Formula 1 but advocates an open-minded approach to endurance and GT racing, which can offer rewarding careers even if Formula 1 remains out of reach.
Max Verstappen’s Experience Racing in GT4 at Nürburgring
Verstappen’s recent participation in the Nürburgring Nordschleife endurance race drew widespread attention as he competed in the GT4 category driving a Porsche GT4 Cayman. Although this category is regarded as slower and less prestigious compared to higher classes, Verstappen explained the necessity of racing in GT4 to obtain the required license for advanced endurance events like the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, which he aims to contest in the future.
Reflecting on the experience, Verstappen highlighted both the challenges and enjoyment of the race, noting the demanding nature of the Nordschleife circuit, commonly known as the ‘Green Hell’—a nickname made famous by Sir Jackie Stewart.
“I mean, I know that I needed to get my permit, so I had to do that race in a GT4 car. Of course the car itself is not the most exciting to drive, but on the other hand, you still learn a lot from a day like that. It rained a bit but it was dry, so you know you get more experience on the track – dealing with traffic as a slower car, is not always the easiest. And the rest, I was just staying out of trouble, really. At the end of the day, I think any kind of lap that you drive around there in any kind of car is always fun. When you try to push it a bit, you see a lot of what is happening around you.”
— Max Verstappen, Formula 1 World Champion
“The atmosphere is really good, a lot of passionate, endurance fans are always there anyway. And it’s kind of my hobby as well, racing in other kinds of motorsport. Of course, my dream is eventually to do the 24-hour race, so I knew that that license needed to come. It was the perfect opportunity to do so.”
— Max Verstappen, Formula 1 World Champion
The Dutchman’s involvement attracted substantial fan interest, prompting organisers to add extra grandstands to accommodate spectators. Dr. Helmut Marko confirmed that Red Bull has granted Verstappen permission to participate in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 2026, illustrating the team’s willingness to support his ventures beyond Formula 1.
Red Bull’s Milton Keynes base values Verstappen’s freedom to explore other motorsport categories and hobbies, such as simulator racing, which complements his racing skills and broadens his competitive experience.
Current Form and Future Prospects in the 2024 Season
As the 2024 season progresses, Max Verstappen currently holds third place in the championship with 230 points, trailing teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri by 63 and 94 points respectively. With nine races remaining, including the upcoming round in Baku, Verstappen aims to leverage his momentum from Monza to narrow the gap to McLaren.
Nevertheless, challenges with the RB21 car have hampered his bid, making the title fight look more like a mathematical opportunity than a highly likely outcome. Despite this, Verstappen’s competitive drive and experience might still influence the dynamics of the championship in its crucial final stages.
The Growing Appeal of Endurance Racing Among Emerging Talent
Max Verstappen’s advocacy for endurance racing underscores a broader shift in racing culture where young drivers increasingly consider alternative pathways outside Formula 1’s narrow funnel. Endurance competitions, with their longer races, team strategies, and technical diversity, offer racers a distinct set of challenges and career stability.
By encouraging junior drivers to remain open to endurance and GT series, Verstappen highlights the potential for fulfilling careers that combine passion with professional longevity. His own steps in this direction, including the Nürburgring race, serve as a powerful example for up-and-coming drivers navigating today’s complex motorsport landscape.
