Source:REUTERS/Edgar Su
[Saba Sports News] According to motorsport.com, Max Verstappen plans to participate in the Nurburgring 24-hour race next year but will temporarily refrain from further GT3 races for the remainder of this year. Verstappen won the ninth round of the Nurburgring Endurance Series last week, driving an Emil Frey Racing-operated Ferrari 296 GT3. Due to the packed schedule and conflicts in the remaining F1 season, Verstappen will pause his GT3 activities but hopes to race again next year. Regarding this, Verstappen said: “It was really fun, and I prepared for it for a while. The two-day race, whether in rain or sunshine, gave me more experience. Winning the race was, of course, a bonus, but it didn’t help much in improving my driving skills because I’ve trained for many years on the simulator. Still, it certainly didn’t hurt. Next year’s arrangements depend on many factors, first being the F1 calendar. I expect the new regulations to be quite complex, with many unknowns. The GT3 team’s schedule and the number of participating cars also need consideration, so I can’t plan too far ahead now. As long as there’s an opportunity, I’m in good form, and the F1 schedule allows, I will definitely go to compete.” At the same time, Verstappen emphasized that even if GT3 plans don’t materialize next year, he still has the opportunity to explore endurance racing more deeply after retiring from F1.