Max Verstappen is watching the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps as Red Bull’s Mercedes‑AMG GT3 EVO battles for a podium, though the Dutchman himself is barred by an F1 clash.
Red Bull’s GT3 Card Defends Its Place at Spa
The team’s entry, painted in Red Bull livery, finished seventh in Thursday’s combined qualifying session. Drivers Daniel Juncadella, Chris Lulham and Jules Gounon are steering the Mercedes‑AMG GT3 EVO through the Ardennes endurance track.
Verstappen, unable to drive this round, followed sessions on his phone before heading to a press briefing in Spielberg. “I’ll try to watch it as much as I can,” he told reporters, stressing his full involvement even from the sidelines. “If it were up to me I’d be behind the wheel.”
Verstappen’s Enthusiasm for Spa’s GT Focus
He has repeatedly expressed a desire to take part in a 24‑hour race featuring GT machinery, citing Spa-Francorchamps as a personal favorite and a showcase of pure endurance racing. “Spa is an amazing track and a 24‑hour race with only GT cars is very special,” Verstappen said.
In talks with the GT World Challenge Europe organisers, he asked if future Spa editions could be scheduled outside the F1 calendar. His response was a half‑smile, “I’m sure Red Bull would not be very happy with that!”
Longer‑Term Plans: Nürburgring, Le Mans and Daytona
Besides Spa, Verstappen also wants to race the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring next year and, further down the line, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona in a GT car, contingent on the off‑season timetable.
While the Dutchman cannot start a race on the weekend of the Austrian Grand Prix, his interest ensures Red Bull’s GT presence remains high profile. The team’s performance at Spa demonstrates the synergy between F1 and endurance ambitions, hinting at more crossover opportunities once calendar alignments improve.
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