F1 News: Max Verstappen Fancies GT3 - "Nice To Go Back A Step"

Verstappen's venture into GT3 racing reflects his love for the sport's simplicity and traditional elements, even as he continues to dominate in F1.
F1 News: Max Verstappen Fancies GT3 - "Nice To Go Back A Step"
F1 News: Max Verstappen Fancies GT3 - "Nice To Go Back A Step" /

Max Verstappen, the acclaimed Formula 1 champion, has recently expressed his growing interest in GT3 racing, highlighting the refreshing simplicity and old-school nature of GT3 compared to F1. His comments reveal a desire for change and a different kind of racing experience, connecting back to the allure of simplicity in motorsport.

Key Takeaways:

  • Different Appeal of GT3: Verstappen describes his fascination with GT3 cars, emphasizing the contrast with F1 in terms of sophistication and team involvement. He enjoys the different demands of GT3 cars and the shift from the highly professional and structured world of Formula 1.
  • Love for the Simplicity: For Verstappen, GT3 racing represents a return to more traditional, less complex forms of racing. He appreciates the reduced team size and the limited scope for car modifications in GT3, finding pleasure in the simplicity and the challenge it presents.
  • F1 Remains the Favourite: Despite his interest in GT3, Verstappen confirms that Formula 1 still holds the top spot for him. The professional nature and the pinnacle status of F1 racing continue to excite him, but he relishes the different experience GT3 offers.
Max Verstappen Red Bull (45)

Max Verstappen, a name synonymous with dominance and precision in the world of Formula 1, has been exploring new avenues in the realm of motorsport. His recent engagement with GT3 racing has opened up a conversation about the varying appeals of different racing disciplines.

"It's actually exactly the same, but in a different way," Verstappen explained in an interview with The Race. "Different cars, they have different needs to an F1 car. And that's what I like," he added.

Verstappen's exploration into GT3 racing isn't just a passing interest. The 3-time world champion has been actively participating in GT3 races, as demonstrated in his recent showing earlier this month. This shift has not only showcased his versatile driving skills but also his passion for various forms of racing.

Despite his newfound interest in GT3, Verstappen remains committed to Formula 1. When asked about his preference, he was clear: 

"F1 is still fun, but it’s very professional, it’s the highest. When I go and drive a GT3 car, it's not as sophisticated. But that's also nice, because it all goes a bit more back to the old-school and it's just a bit different to drive."

The lesser complexity of GT3 appeals to Verstappen. 

"Of course, you don't have like 20 people working on your car, there are not endless possibilities with what you can do on the car, like, 'I want to change this' but sometimes that's not possible. 

"It’s a bit simpler. And sometimes it's nice to just go back a step.”


Published
Alex Harrington
ALEX HARRINGTON

Alex is the editor-in-chief of F1 editorial. He fell in love with F1 at the young age of 7 after hearing the scream of naturally aspirated V10s echo through his grandparents' lounge. That year he watched as Michael Schumacher took home his fifth championship win with Ferrari, and has been unable to look away since.