Max Verstappen has shared his thoughts on his move to GT racing outside Formula 1, saying finding the right balance between his love of racing and family life remains important.
The four-time F1 world champion is getting ready for another race this weekend, this time driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 instead of his usual Red Bull-powered car at the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup season finale in Portimão, Portugal, on Saturday, October 17.
Verstappen’s choice comes at the cost of his sole weekend break between busy periods of the F1 schedule. But the Dutchman admitted that his partner, Kelly Piquet, knows his own need to race in other classes, partly due to her own motorsport experience.
Max Verstappen Explains Why Kelly Piquet Understands His GT Racing Passion
Verstappen thinks Piquet’s family history helps her to understand why he wants to keep racing after Formula 1. Motorsport has been part of Piquet’s life since her father is three-time F1 world champion Nelson Piquet.
“I think it helps that she comes from a family that races a lot. So I think she can understand a lot better [than most],” Verstappen explained.
(Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
The Dutchman has been racing in other disciplines besides F1, and has been taking part in endurance racing at the Nürburgring more and more. His most recent GT World Challenge race is another chance to race in a different setting, and in his own Verstappen Racing car.
Verstappen also said that spending time with his family is still important, even when he’s on the track.
Verstappen Addresses Family Time
Verstappen admitted that he and his family had to make compromises to balance his career with family life.
The Red Bull driver said, “Honestly, I always try to also combine stuff. So even if, let’s say, you would be racing, maybe you can combine it with going around with the family a little bit, even at a race weekend like that.”
He also said that Piquet knows how important his happiness is, and he supports his choice to go for other racing opportunities.
Verstappen said, “So we’re trying to see what we can do there, but at the same time, she knows that I need to feel good and just be happy also, right, for both sides.”
Verstappen said that Piquet is not against his racing plans, as she is a fan of motorsports.
He added, “But she doesn’t mind it. I think she likes racing; it’s not that she’s against it, so that helps.”
The Portimão race is coming up soon, and Verstappen’s words reflect his commitment to his passion and spending time with those around him.
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