Max’s GTP Drive: Eyeing Future Endurance Goals

Max Verstappen tested an IMSA GTP car, hinting at ambitions to transition into endurance racing after his Formula 1 career.

Verstappen has never hidden his desire to compete in Endurance racing after Formula 1, and this week, he took a step toward that goal by testing an IMSA prototype.

Thanks to Honda, Red Bull’s partner, he spent 30 minutes driving a GTP car, the Acura ARX-06, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

No holding back from Verstappen in Vegas today as he addressed the media ahead of the Grand Prix. It’s a glimpse of life after F1.

“Yes, there’s no need to beat around the bush. I know I want to race these kinds of cars in the future. It’s just about finding the time.”

“With such a packed F1 calendar, it’s nearly impossible because we finish so late in the season, and then preparing properly for Daytona or something similar is quite impossible.”

“I want to go and try to win, to be really competitive. The only way to achieve that is by doing proper testing and preparation, which isn’t feasible right now.”

“I think it’s very hard to combine with F1 at the moment. With the increasingly intense competition, you can’t split your focus between F1 and GTP. For me, when I take part in something, I need to be well-prepared.”

“But who knows? Maybe in a few years. I’ll still be quite young and able to drive these cars.”

What was Max’s goal for this first outing?

“To get a first impression, of course, and on this track, there were quite a few low-speed corners.”

“The car really comes alive at higher speeds, but it was very enjoyable. I’ve already driven these cars in simulations, but getting a first impression in real life was really cool.”

“I tried to find the limits step by step without pushing too hard because it wasn’t necessary, and to have a bit of fun.”