Max Verstappen Expands Non-F1 Projects with Red Bull

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Max Verstappen has confirmed that he has held discussions with Red Bull Racing regarding his desire to participate in non-Formula 1 projects, stressing that such activities help keep him “satisfied” alongside his Grand Prix commitments.

In recent seasons, Verstappen has increased his involvement in GT and endurance racing. He competed at the Nordschleife last year, securing victory alongside team-mate Chris Lulham, and is widely expected to take part in the Nurburgring 24 Hours later this season.

The Dutchman also founded Verstappen.com Racing several years ago. The outfit competes in GT3, rallying, and virtual racing championships, expanding Verstappen’s footprint beyond Formula 1 while maintaining a strong link to high-performance motorsport.

The four-time world champion underlined that these parallel projects play a key role in maintaining his motivation and overall satisfaction during an intensive Formula 1 schedule.

“Of course I talked to Red Bull about my ideas and they were very open about it,” Verstappen told Viaplay.

“At the end of the day, as a team, you want to have a satisfied driver and not a frustrated driver. And this is what keeps me satisfied.”

Verstappen explained that the creation of his own racing team is not merely a side project, but part of a longer-term strategy for life beyond his driving career.

“At the moment, I don’t have the time to build the GT team all by myself, which is why we have chosen to have our formation run by existing teams, like Emil Frey Racing and 2 Seas Motorsport,” he said.

He emphasised that establishing the team was a deliberate step taken with the future in mind, recognising the finite nature of a professional racing career.

“Your own racing career is not forever, so a few years ago the idea of setting up your own team was born,” Verstappen explained.

“When you have achieved all that you have wanted to achieve in F1, you also enjoy a bit more freedom to look at other things.”

Verstappen further highlighted that his passion for racing extends beyond Formula 1 machinery, referencing his long-standing involvement in sim racing as an early catalyst for broader ambitions.

“I love racing and love driving different cars, something that was already taking shape in the virtual racing world. I enjoyed that and from there I slowly started setting up some things and thus Verstappen.com Racing was born.”

The move reflects a broader trend among elite Formula 1 drivers who seek to diversify their involvement within motorsport while still competing at the highest level. By building an operational structure now, Verstappen is positioning himself for a seamless transition into team ownership or management in the future.

For Red Bull Racing, the openness to Verstappen’s non-F1 commitments indicates a pragmatic approach to driver management. Allowing external projects, provided they do not conflict with Formula 1 obligations, may help sustain long-term engagement and performance stability.

As Verstappen continues to pursue further championships in Formula 1, his expanding presence in GT and endurance racing underscores a wider ambition — one that extends beyond individual titles and into shaping a lasting legacy within global motorsport.