Max Verstappen cannot keep away from motorsport with the Dutchman in attendance at Paul Ricard this weekend as rumours swirl about a potential F1 exit.
A five-week break from F1 may never have been more welcome for Verstappen and Red Bull, after another difficult weekend at Suzuka where an eighth place finish was the best the four-time champion could muster.
His post-race interview, in which a weary Verstappen outlined his grievances with the new F1 cars, has since caused concern he could leave the sport altogether, with reports in the Dutch media that Verstappen was ‘seriously considering’ retirement.
F1 will be the furthest concern from Verstappen’s mind in the coming weeks however, as the Dutchman prepares for the 24h Nurburgring qualifiers which take place on April 18 and 19.
Before then however, Verstappen couldn’t resist a further GT appearance, although this time was content to support the drivers rather than to race.
Verstappen at GT World Challenge Europe
This weekend (April 11-12) the opening round of the GT World Challenge Europe will take place at the Circuit Paul Ricard, before moving onto Brands Hatch and Monza next month.
Taking part this weekend will be none other than Aston Martin F1 star Lance Stroll, who has used the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix to emulate Verstappen and enjoy some GT running of his own.
Stroll will get behind the wheel of the Comtoyou Racing, Aston Martin Vantage GT3 car alongside Roberto Merhi and Mari Boya.
They will find themselves rivals with Verstappen’s racing team however, even though the champion himself isn’t competing. Nevertheless, the Dutchman arrived at Paul Ricard for the Prologue test (taking place April 8-9) with Dani Juncadella, who won alongside Verstappen and Jules Gounon at the Nurburgring in March – before the car was ultimately disqualified.
The Spaniard will drive Verstappen Racing’s No.3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO in the Endurance Cup this year, after the team announced their step up to the Pro class for the first time in 2026.
Juncadella, Gounon will reunite with Verstappen, alongside Lucas Auer, for the iconic Nurburgring 24 Hours in May.
GT World Challenge Calendar 2026
Round
Date
Race
1
April 11-12
Circuit Paul Ricard
2
May 2-3
Brands Hatch
3
May 29-31
Monza
4
June 24-28
24 Hours of Spa
5
July 17-19
Misano
6
July 31-August 2
Magny-Cours
7
August 28-30
Nurburgring
8
September 18-20
Zandvoort
9
October 2-4
Barcelona
10
October 16-18
Portimao
News
In the years before his passing, Prince Philip chose a remarkably solitary life — spending much of his retirement away from Queen Elizabeth II at a secluded cottage on the Sandringham estate.
The late Duke of Edinburgh officially retired from royal public engagements in 2017 and spent his final years in solitude…
At this year’s Easter appearance, Princess Charlotte proved once again that even the smallest royal detail can spark major buzz
The young royal subtly switched up her signature hairstyle Princess Charlotte attends the 2026 Easter Matins Service at St George’s…
Prince Andrew Finally Moves into New Sandringham Farm Home — After “Dragging His Feet” for Months… But What REALLY Took So Long
The former Duke of York had been staying at Wood Farm on Sandringham after being evicted from the Royal Lodge…
Lambiase understands Verstappen better than anyone — from how he reacts under pressure, how he reads the race, to the crucial decisions he makes in seconds on the radio
What does Lambiase exit mean for Verstappen? The news that Gianpiero Lambiase is leaving Red Bull provides a huge hint…
Prince Philip “Left Very Disappointed” — The Shocking Reason Behind Meghan Markle’s Royal Misstep During Harry’s Marriage
Meghan married into the royal family in 2018 rince Philip may have felt “very disappointed” over Meghan Markle’s behaviour when…
DRAMA AT SANDRINGHAM — Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, pulls out of Easter appearance with the Royals at the last minute
The Duchess of Edinburgh and her daughter, Lady Louise, didn’t appear with the royals on Easter ady Louise Windsor and…
End of content
No more pages to load
