Max Verstappen exit rumours swirl as disgruntled F1 star arrives at rival series

Max Verstappen cannot keep away from motorsport with the Dutchman in attendance at Paul Ricard this weekend as rumours swirl about a potential F1 exit.

A five-week break from F1 may never have been more welcome for Verstappen and Red Bull, after another difficult weekend at Suzuka where an eighth place finish was the best the four-time champion could muster.

His post-race interview, in which a weary Verstappen outlined his grievances with the new F1 cars, has since caused concern he could leave the sport altogether, with reports in the Dutch media that Verstappen was 'seriously considering' retirement.

F1 will be the furthest concern from Verstappen's mind in the coming weeks however, as the Dutchman prepares for the 24h Nurburgring qualifiers which take place on April 18 and 19.

Before then however, Verstappen couldn't resist a further GT appearance, although this time was content to support the drivers rather than to race.

READ MORE: George Russell facing brand new Lewis Hamilton threat at Mercedes

Verstappen at GT World Challenge Europe

This weekend (April 11-12) the opening round of the GT World Challenge Europe will take place at the Circuit Paul Ricard, before moving onto Brands Hatch and Monza next month.

Taking part this weekend will be none other than Aston Martin F1 star Lance Stroll, who has used the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix to emulate Verstappen and enjoy some GT running of his own.

Stroll will get behind the wheel of the Comtoyou Racing, Aston Martin Vantage GT3 car alongside Roberto Merhi and Mari Boya.

They will find themselves rivals with Verstappen's racing team however, even though the champion himself isn't competing. Nevertheless, the Dutchman arrived at Paul Ricard for the Prologue test (taking place April 8-9) with Dani Juncadella, who won alongside Verstappen and Jules Gounon at the Nurburgring in March - before the car was ultimately disqualified.

The Spaniard will drive Verstappen Racing’s No.3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO in the Endurance Cup this year, after the team announced their step up to the Pro class for the first time in 2026.

Juncadella, Gounon will reunite with Verstappen, alongside Lucas Auer, for the iconic Nurburgring 24 Hours in May.

GT World Challenge Calendar 2026

READ MORE: Verstappen is doing 'bizarre' 24-hour race outside F1

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Max Verstappen battles illness at Dutch Grand Prix, Red Bull star provides health update

• Yesterday 20:59

Aston Martin to wear black armbands at Dutch Grand Prix after tragic death of beloved team member

• 2 hours ago

Ferrari F1 star Charles Leclerc teases major family event: 'It's a very exciting time'

• 3 hours ago

F1 Qualifying Results: Dutch Grand Prix times and grid positions

• Yesterday 17:08

FIA announce Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen penalty verdicts at Dutch Grand Prix

• Yesterday 14:57

Fernando Alonso issues 'incredible' Aston Martin F1 verdict after Adrian Newey upgrades

• Yesterday 20:15