GT driver Ben Barnicoat lauds Verstappen’s impact as GT3 popularity surges

GT driver Ben Barnicoat says Max Verstappen’s move to GT‑3 racing is pulling new fans into the class and sharpening competition. Barnicoat, a former single‑seater hopeful turned endurance specialist, believes Verstappen’s star power is trickling down, making GT racing more attractive to families and manufacturers.

Why it matters:

• Verstappen’s global profile injects fresh eyes into GT3, boosting attendance and sponsor interest.
• A stronger, tighter grid raises the product for fans, echoing F1’s recent surge in family viewership.
• The crossover highlights limited pathways to F1, underscoring the talent pool now thriving in endurance racing.

The details:

• Barnicoat’s path: funded karting via the Racing Steps Foundation, a stint in Formula 3, a Mercedes‑AMG simulator role, then full‑time GT racing.
• He notes many GT drivers once chased F1 but ran out of funding; Verstappen’s GT entry validates their career choice.

What's next:

• More high‑profile F1 drivers are likely to test GT cars during calendar gaps, further blending the fan bases.
• GT series are planning joint events with F1 venues to capitalize on the crossover audience.