Lando Norris says he would “love to” emulate Max Verstappen by tackling endurance and GT challenges after his Formula 1 career. The McLaren star’s comments come as Verstappen has stepped into the Nordschleife arena, first obtaining his GT3 permit in a Porsche GT4 and then making a competitive GT3 debut at the Nürburgring in a Ferrari 296 GT3.
Verstappen’s path sets a template
Verstappen’s recent programme—licensing in GT4 followed by a headline NLS GT3 debut—has spotlighted a structured, safe pathway into elite GT competition on the Green Hell. It’s a route Norris openly admires, indicating that the appeal of endurance classics and multi-category competition is alive among current F1 frontrunners.
Timing and targets
While Norris did not map out a specific calendar or discipline, his intent points toward post-F1 exploration, with the likes of GT3, WEC and marquee endurance events an obvious draw. The trend of F1 drivers crossing into long-distance racing—either mid-career or after—continues to grow, aided by the global profile of series like the FIA WEC and the accessibility of modern GT3 machinery.
Why endurance racing resonates
- Team dynamics and shared stints add a collaborative edge beyond single-seater sprint formats.
- Iconic venues—such as Le Mans and the Nordschleife—offer a different kind of challenge that rewards patience, traffic management and mechanical sympathy.
- Modern GT3 cars blend approachability with high performance, making top-flight driver transitions smoother.
For Norris, the message is simple: the lure of endurance racing is strong, and Verstappen’s example is only stoking that fire.
