Verstappen joins GT race in Portugal

Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, will compete in a GT race in Portimão, Portugal, as part of his expanding involvement in endurance racing. The event is the final of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, and Verstappen will share the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat.

Balancing F1 and GT commitments

Verstappen’s participation in the GT race adds to his already intense Formula 1 schedule, leaving him with only one free weekend out of the last eleven races of the F1 championship. This means he will face seven consecutive competition weekends, requiring him to balance his commitments with Red Bull and his GT activities.

Verstappen Racing’s involvement

Verstappen has his own team, Verstappen Racing, which is entered in several championships, including the GT World Challenge Europe, the DTM, and endurance events at the Nürburgring. His team collaborates with recognized teams such as 2 Seas Motorsport, Emil Frey Racing, and Winward Racing.

Verstappen’s Nürburgring experience

The Dutchman has previously participated in races on the Nordschleife, including a category victory in a race of the NLS championship last year. This season, he had also taken the lead of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring before a mechanical problem ended his race.

Verstappen’s personal life

Verstappen’s partner, Kelly Piquet, comes from a motorsport family, being the daughter of three-time Formula 1 world champion Nelson Piquet and the sister of former driver Nelson Piquet Jr. Verstappen notes that her background helps her understand and support his passion for racing.

Family and racing balance

Verstappen explains that he tries to combine his sporting ambitions with family life, sometimes using competition weekends to spend time with his loved ones. Verstappen and Kelly Piquet have a daughter together, and Kelly is also the mother of a son from her previous relationship with former Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat.

Verstappen’s perspective on commitments

Despite a demanding schedule, Verstappen emphasizes the importance of preserving time for his loved ones, requiring adjustments and compromises from both sides. He states that Kelly Piquet does not try to slow down his ambitions outside of Formula 1 and that she supports his racing interests.

Future racing plans

Verstappen's involvement in GT racing allows him to explore other disciplines, drive different cars, and develop his own team. He does not intend to reduce his track activities as long as the family balance works.