Antonelli Eager to Team Up with Verstappen in Endurance Racing

Rising F1 star Kimi Antonelli expresses desire to compete in 24-hour races with reigning champion Max Verstappen

Mar. 20, 2026 at 9:08am

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Kimi Antonelli, the young Formula 1 driver currently second in the Drivers' Championship, has revealed his enthusiasm to team up with Max Verstappen in endurance racing events. Verstappen, the reigning F1 champion, has announced plans to compete in the prestigious Nürburgring 24 Hours later this year, and Antonelli is eager to join him in the demanding world of GT endurance racing.

Why it matters

The potential partnership between Antonelli and Verstappen is an exciting prospect for motorsport fans, as it would bring together two of the sport's rising stars in a new and challenging discipline. Endurance racing offers a different set of skills and strategies compared to Formula 1, and the collaboration between these two talented drivers could produce impressive results.

The details

Antonelli, whose family has deep roots in GT racing, has expressed his desire to team up with Verstappen, stating 'I would love to do an endurance race with Max, together. I think that would be pretty awesome.' Verstappen, who has already secured a win on his GT3 debut at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, will pilot a Mercedes AMG-GT3 in the upcoming 24-hour race, with full support from Red Bull. The combination of Verstappen's experience and Antonelli's rising talent could create a formidable force in endurance racing.

  • Verstappen is set to compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May 2026, between the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix.
  • Antonelli recently secured his maiden Formula 1 victory at the Chinese Grand Prix and currently sits second in the Drivers' Championship.

The players

Kimi Antonelli

A rising star in Formula 1, currently second in the Drivers' Championship. Antonelli has expressed enthusiasm for competing in endurance racing events, particularly with Max Verstappen.

Max Verstappen

The reigning Formula 1 champion, who has announced plans to compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours later this year, driving a Mercedes AMG-GT3 car.

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What they’re saying

“I would love to do an endurance race with Max, together. I think that would be pretty awesome.”

— Kimi Antonelli

“Competing in other series recharges me, bringing renewed energy back to the F1 track.”

— Max Verstappen

What’s next

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The takeaway

The potential partnership between Antonelli and Verstappen in endurance racing highlights the growing trend of Formula 1 drivers exploring other motorsport disciplines, which can provide a beneficial outlet and complement their high-pressure F1 careers.