Max Verstappen is signaling a potential shift in his career focus by embracing endurance racing alongside his Formula 1 commitments. Recently, the four-time world champion took part in the ADAC ACAS Cup at the Nordschleife, racing a Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 CS to secure a GT3 licence, demonstrating his growing interest in racing disciplines beyond F1.
Last weekend, Verstappen competed in the four-hour ADAC ACAS Cup event, successfully obtaining the required GT3 licence through a committee decision to qualify for the demanding Nürburgring circuit. As a result, he confirmed his ambition to one day contest the Nurburgring 24 Hours race, underscoring his longstanding passion for endurance competitions.
Verstappen’s Endurance Racing Initiatives and Long-Term Plans
The Dutch driver’s recent actions, including participating in a Nürburgring test under the alias ‘Franz Hermann’ and owning a GT racing team, emphasize his commitment to expanding his racing portfolio. Verstappen has made it clear he does not plan to remain in Formula 1 indefinitely, with his current Red Bull contract set to expire in 2028—a date he has linked to the potential end of his F1 career.
He has openly stated that his continuation in Formula 1 depends largely on his ongoing passion for the sport. After marking his 200th grand prix start, Verstappen said he feels he is in the latter half of his career, leaving open the possibility of exploring other forms of racing once his enthusiasm for F1 diminishes.
It all depends on your 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,
said Verstappen ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
He has also advised younger drivers to keep their options open, stressing that a narrow focus exclusively on Formula 1 can be risky. Verstappen explained that endurance racing offers significant career opportunities, unlike a sole fixation on F1.
Sometimes with some of the drivers that I’m close to, they all dream of Formula 1. I 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. I also do think that with endurance racing, there are a lot of opportunities to have a good career. Just to stare blindly on Formula 1 can be a danger.
Comparisons with Other World Champions and Racing Legends
Verstappen’s outlook on his career differentiates him from recent world champions who have focused solely on Formula 1 well into their 40s. Unlike Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, he does not intend to compete in single-seater racing after F1. Instead, his focus seems directed toward endurance and sportscar racing, a path more reminiscent of racing icons like Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio from earlier eras who freely competed across various motorsport disciplines.
Verstappen has expressed admiration for Fernando Alonso’s diverse racing pursuits, which include multiple wins at the Le Mans 24 Hours, as well as participation in the Daytona 24 Hours, Indianapolis 500, and even the Dakar Rally.
What he has done before, like going into endurance, even doing Dakar for example, it’s pretty insane,
Verstappen said in Baku.
It just shows that he’s also just passionate about racing, it doesn’t matter if it’s a Formula 1 car or not.
Factors Influencing Verstappen’s Racing Future
Having fulfilled his dream of becoming a multiple world champion, Verstappen’s motivations appear increasingly driven by his passion for racing rather than the pursuit of titles or financial incentives. With a family growing—his partner Kelly Piquet recently gave birth—lifestyle considerations may also influence his move toward endurance events.
The 2025 World Endurance Championship, for example, offers a racing schedule with only eight rounds, which could better fit his long-term plans compared to the relentless Formula 1 calendar. However, Verstappen has ruled out chasing the famous Triple Crown of Motorsport, which involves winning the Monaco GP, Le Mans 24 Hours, and the Indianapolis 500.
Le Mans, yes, but I’m not interested in the triple crown. I enjoy watching IndyCar. I do not need to drive it myself,
he stated.
This selective approach highlights Verstappen’s desire to engage in racing formats that align with his passion and lifestyle choices, rather than simply pursuing traditional accolades.
Implications for Motorsports and Verstappen’s Legacy
Verstappen’s move into endurance racing carries potential benefits for both his personal career and the wider motorsport community. By broadening his horizon beyond Formula 1, he could set an example for other drivers to diversify their racing experiences, injecting fresh interest into endurance and sportscar events.
His participation in prestigious endurance races like the Nürburgring 24 Hours could enhance the profile of these competitions and attract a broader fanbase. Moreover, his willingness to explore options beyond Formula 1 challenges the modern stereotype of a racing driver’s career path, harkening back to an era where the world’s best racers were versatile competitors across multiple motorsport disciplines.
As Verstappen approaches the final years of his contract with Red Bull, his decisions will be closely watched, with many anticipating that endurance racing could become a significant part of his future in motorsports.
