Max Verstappen has ruled out taking his Verstappen Racing team into Formula 1. The four-time world champion said running an F1 team would be “way too demanding” and would require too much of his time and attention. Instead, Verstappen wants to build his racing operation around GT3 and endurance racing. His main aim is to create a professional team that can fight for victories and regularly compete at the front.Verstappen Racing was founded by the Dutch driver in 2022 and has already competed in several GT3 categories. Verstappen has also driven for his own team, including at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. While the project is still developing, Verstappen has made it clear that he wants bigger ambitions for the team. He wants it to become a serious racing operation rather than simply another team on the grid.
Will Verstappen Racing come to F1?
Max Verstappen was recently asked about his vision for Verstappen Racing over the next 10 to 20 years. He told Formule 1 Magazine that the team should become a professional racing outfit capable of winning races across different categories.The Red Bull driver said the team should not compete simply for the sake of being involved in motorsport. He wants a much higher standard from his organisation.His long-term target is to have Verstappen Racing fighting for victories and regularly competing at the front.Verstappen also admitted that the future development of the team will depend partly on his own decisions. His Formula 1 career will remain an important factor in deciding how much time and energy he can give to the project.However, his direction is clear. He wants the team to expand towards endurance racing.“Specifically toward endurance racing, not toward Formula 1 or anything like that,” Verstappen said.The Dutchman has been interested in GT and endurance racing for several years. He has previously spoken about having a bigger role in these categories after his Formula 1 career.His own experience behind the wheel has also increased his involvement with Verstappen Racing.When asked if Verstappen Racing could eventually enter F1, his answer was direct.“No! Because that’s way too demanding,” he said.Verstappen believes owning an F1 team would create an enormous workload. Formula 1 now has a 24-race calendar, while team owners also have to deal with technical, commercial and operational responsibilities.
Max Verstappen wants his team to focus on endurance racing
The Dutchman said he would not be comfortable simply leaving the team’s management to others and spending long periods away from the organisation.He accepts that some responsibilities can be outsourced. However, he wants to remain closely involved if he is going to own a racing team.Max Verstappen explained that a dedicated team owner needs to know what is happening inside the organisation. He also wants to be present and involved in important decisions.For Verstappen, that level of commitment would be difficult alongside a full F1 career or another demanding racing programme.
