Verstappen sets stunning lap time in wet SuperGT Pro challenge at Fuji

Red Bull Motorsports released an extended video of Max Verstappen tackling Fuji Speedway in a SuperGT Pro car. The four-time world champion traded a Mercedes GT3 he'll use at the Nürburgring 24h for a Nissan SuperGT Pro, calling it "a proper race car." On a rainy track, he posted a 1:42.2 lap – two seconds faster than expert Atsushi Miyake's benchmark.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's ability to step into a different racing category and immediately deliver elite lap times reinforces his reputation as one of the most versatile drivers in motorsport. It also highlights the crossover appeal between F1 and Japan's SuperGT series, which often serves as a breeding ground for talent and technical innovation.

The details:

• Miyake, a SuperGT Pro veteran, set a 1:44.0 on his second attempt as the benchmark.
• On his first flying lap, Verstappen was just a tenth off – a mere 0.1 seconds difference.
• On his second lap, he improved dramatically to a 1:42.2, despite rain intensifying mid-session.
• After the run, Verstappen admitted: "It was just getting tricky to push. After my first lap, I thought I could do better, then it started raining more, and some corners became trickier."
• The Dutchman enjoyed the experience and hinted at returning: "Could set new challenges," he said with a smile when asked about going for the track record next year.

What's next:

While Verstappen remains fully focused on the 2026 F1 season with Red Bull, this exhibition run suggests he may explore more Japanese racing adventures. The SuperGT series continues to grow in international appeal, and a full-time entry remains a distant but intriguing possibility for after his F1 career.