Stroll consulted Verstappen ahead of GT racing debut

Aston Martin F1 driver Lance Stroll will make his GT racing debut this weekend, filling the unexpected April break in the F1 calendar. He revealed the last-minute plan was hatched in Japan and that he sought advice from Max Verstappen, who is increasingly active in the GT3 scene.

Why it matters:

Stroll's move highlights how F1 drivers are leveraging gaps in the congested calendar to pursue other racing passions, maintaining sharpness and competitive drive. For Stroll, it offers a stark contrast to his current F1 struggles, providing a fresh opportunity to compete for a win—a feeling often elusive in modern Formula 1.

The details:

• Sudden Opportunity: The plan was formed over dinner in Suzuka after the Japanese Grand Prix. With the Bahrain GP cancelled, Stroll wanted to fill the extended April break with racing.
• Rapid Arrangement: Comtoyou Racing team owner Jean-Michel Baert accommodated the request, organizing Stroll's drive in their Aston Martin Vantage GT3 alongside Roberto Merhi and junior Mari Boya in about a week.
• A Different Challenge: Stroll acknowledged the win potential in a competitive GT3 field is a major motivation, stating, "In Formula 1, you don’t always have the opportunity to win... That’s also a big motivation for me to be here."
• Verstappen's Input: Stroll consulted Max Verstappen in Suzuka for advice on whom to contact, leveraging the Red Bull driver's recent GT experience with Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing at the Nürburgring.

What's next:

Stroll will compete in the GT World Challenge Europe season-opener at Circuit Paul Ricard. While his primary focus remains on improving Aston Martin's F1 fortunes, a strong GT debut could provide a valuable morale boost. Verstappen, though not racing at Paul Ricard, will have his own team competing, keeping a close eye on the event as he prepares for his Nürburgring 24 Hours attempt next month.