F1 Drivers Expand Horizons with Races Beyond Formula 1

Max Verstappen to compete in Nurburgring 24 Hours, joining other active F1 drivers in exploring different racing series

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fractured, multi-perspective view of a Formula 1 car in motion, with the driver's form deconstructed into abstract shapes and colors, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The growing trend of Formula 1 drivers competing in diverse racing series reflects their desire to challenge themselves and expand their motorsports experience.Indianapolis Today

Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion, is set to expand his racing horizons this year by competing in the prestigious Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race in May 2026. This move aligns Verstappen with a growing number of current F1 drivers, such as Fernando Alonso, who have recently participated in different racing disciplines while remaining active in Formula 1.

Why it matters

The trend of F1 drivers competing in other series reflects a broader interest among top-tier drivers to seek new challenges and maintain versatility across disciplines, even while competing at the highest level of single-seater racing. This cross-pollination of talent and experience can lead to innovation and growth within the sport of motorsports as a whole.

The details

Verstappen's decision to race in the Nurburgring 24 Hours comes after a successful GT3 debut at the Nurburgring Nordschleife in September 2025, where he claimed victory. This move places him among a growing list of current F1 drivers who have pursued success in other racing series without stepping away from their Formula 1 commitments. Beyond Verstappen and Alonso, additional current F1 drivers like Lance Stroll have also participated in different forms of motorsport, though specific series and results were not detailed in the available reports.

  • Max Verstappen is set to compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May 2026.
  • Verstappen claimed victory in a GT3 race at the Nurburgring Nordschleife in September 2025.
  • Fernando Alonso won the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2018, while still racing in Formula 1.

The players

Max Verstappen

A four-time Formula 1 World Champion who is set to compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race in 2026, marking his latest foray into a different racing series while remaining an active F1 driver.

Fernando Alonso

A current Formula 1 driver who won the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2018, while still racing in F1.

Lance Stroll

A current Formula 1 driver who has participated in different forms of motorsport, though specific series and results were not detailed in the available reports.

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What’s next

As the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses, Verstappen's participation in the Nurburgring 24 Hours will be closely watched not only for its outcome but also as a potential indicator of whether more drivers will follow suit in pursuing dual-series campaigns.

The takeaway

The growing trend of Formula 1 drivers competing in other racing series, such as endurance races and GT events, demonstrates the drivers' desire to challenge themselves and expand their motorsports experience, even at the pinnacle of single-seater racing. This cross-pollination of talent and versatility can lead to innovation and growth within the broader sport of motorsports.