Antonelli eyes Verstappen partnership for future endurance races

Mercedes junior driver Kimi Antonelli has expressed a strong desire to team up with Max Verstappen in a future GT3 endurance race, following the Red Bull champion's announcement to compete in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Antonelli, who shares Verstappen's passion for GT racing, revealed he has already inquired about testing on the legendary Nordschleife circuit himself.

Why it matters:

The mutual interest in GT racing between a reigning world champion and one of F1's most promising rookies highlights a growing trend of drivers seeking competition outside Formula 1. A potential Verstappen-Antonelli pairing would be a major draw for endurance racing, blending elite talent from rival F1 teams and showcasing their skills in a different motorsport discipline.

The details:

• In an interview, Antonelli called the idea of racing with Verstappen "super cool" and "pretty awesome," noting they both share a deep passion for GT cars.
• He confirmed he will be watching Verstappen compete in the Nürburgring 24h and has already asked about testing on the Nordschleife, a track he loves and wants to experience in real life.
• Verstappen is expanding his endurance racing portfolio, having won a GT3 race on the Nordschleife last year and now committing to the full 24-hour event.
• Antonelli recently demonstrated his own skill in wet conditions, setting a dominant fastest lap under a pseudonym at a go-karting endurance event in Milton Keynes.

What's next:

While both drivers are firmly focused on their primary F1 duties—Verstappen defending his title and Antonelli preparing for his anticipated debut—their comments keep the door open for a high-profile collaboration down the line. Antonelli's immediate future involves continuing his F1 preparation with Mercedes, but his eagerness to test at the Nordschleife suggests GT racing will remain a serious hobby. For fans, the prospect of seeing two generations of F1 talent share a car in a marathon event adds an exciting layer to the motorsport calendar.