Mercedes-AMG Chief Proud as Verstappen Thrives in GT … read more 👇
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has continued to impress beyond the F1 grid, with his recent venture into GT racing earning huge praise from senior figures within the Mercedes-AMG setup. Although Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has never succeeded in bringing Verstappen to the Silver Arrows’ Formula 1 team, the German manufacturer still secured an important partnership with the Dutch superstar through its GT racing division.
Last year, Verstappen Racing agreed to a long-term collaboration with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, leading the team to run the highly competitive Mercedes-AMG GT3 car in the GT World Challenge Europe series. The partnership immediately attracted attention across the motorsport world, given Verstappen’s status as one of Formula 1’s biggest stars and his well-known passion for endurance and simulator racing.
The 27-year-old also made his long-awaited debut at the legendary NĂĽrburgring 24 Hours event driving Mercedes machinery. Verstappen teamed up with experienced GT racers Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer in the No. 3 entry for the iconic endurance race around the demanding Nordschleife circuit.
For much of the race, Verstappen and his team looked capable of challenging for victory. However, their hopes were crushed late in the event after a technical failure struck the car during the closing hours. Despite the disappointment for Verstappen’s crew, Mercedes-AMG still celebrated success overall as the No. 80 Team Ravenol entry secured victory for the brand — marking Mercedes’ first Nürburgring 24 Hours triumph since 2016.
Ahead of the race weekend, Mercedes-AMG customer racing boss Stefan Wendl openly expressed his admiration for Verstappen and the professionalism he has brought to the partnership. Speaking to Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Wendl explained how proud the entire Mercedes-AMG organisation feels to have Verstappen representing the brand in GT competition.
According to Wendl, Verstappen’s approach to racing immediately stood out from the moment they first worked together. He explained that the reigning F1 champion approaches every detail with complete focus and seriousness, whether in Formula 1, endurance racing, or simulator competition. Wendl also highlighted the impressive standards being maintained by Verstappen Racing in the GT World Challenge Europe, noting that the operation already functions at an elite level.
The Mercedes-AMG chief admitted that while many people continue to be amazed by how quickly Verstappen adjusts to GT racing machinery, he personally stopped being surprised some time ago. He pointed out that GT3 cars require a very different driving style compared to Formula 1 machines, making the transition difficult for drivers who have spent most of their careers in single-seaters.
Wendl recalled meeting Verstappen during an initial test session in Portugal last December, where he witnessed firsthand the Dutchman’s preparation methods and ability behind the wheel. From that very first experience, he realised Verstappen was unlike most drivers he had worked with before.
He described Verstappen as a “special case” in the best possible way, explaining that he had never previously seen a driver adapt so naturally and rapidly to a completely different type of race car. Wendl was especially impressed by Verstappen’s technical understanding, preparation, and immediate confidence in the GT3 machinery.
The Mercedes-AMG executive also acknowledged how unusual it is for a current Formula 1 driver to commit significant time and energy to endurance racing projects while still competing full-time in F1. However, he believes Verstappen’s motivation comes purely from his deep love of motorsport.
Rather than viewing GT racing as a distraction, Verstappen appears to see it as another exciting challenge and an opportunity to expand his experience across different racing disciplines. His enthusiasm for endurance competition, combined with his relentless commitment to improvement, has clearly left a lasting impression on Mercedes-AMG and further strengthened the growing partnership between both sides.