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Kimi Antonelli keen on GT3 Nurburgring 24 Hours entry with Max Verstappen
TL;DR
Kimi Antonelli expresses interest in racing the Nurburgring 24 Hours alongside Max Verstappen, along with three other endurance events. Verstappen's recent permit to compete has inspired more drivers to explore racing outside of Formula 1.
Key points
- Kimi Antonelli wants to race the Nurburgring 24 Hours with Max Verstappen.
- Verstappen received his permit to compete on the Nurburgring Nordschleife last year.
- Other drivers are exploring racing outside of Formula 1.
Kimi AntonelliMax VerstappenNurburgring 24 HoursGT World Challenge
Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Kimi Antonelli has shared his hopes of joining Max Verstappen for a future run at the Nurburgring 24 Hours, and he’s also pointed out three more endurance races he’d like to enter with the four-time world champion.
After getting his permit to compete on the iconic Nurburgring Nordschleife last year, Verstappen seems to have sparked some interest around the grid in exploring other categories outside of Formula 1.
Lance Stroll is one of the most recent drivers to follow suit, having entered the opening round of the 2026 GT World Challenge season at Paul Ricard.
It didn’t go according to plan for Stroll, who was hit with a total of 175 seconds in penalties before his team retired from the race in P48. But even though it wasn’t much fun on paper, Stroll looked quick behind the wheel and sounds keen on more chances in GT3 racing.
Kimi Antonelli outlines the four endurance events he hopes to race in
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia ahead of his performance at the Japanese Grand Prix in March, Kimi Antonelli gave his view on endurance racing as Verstappen took part in the Nurburgring Endurance Series.
The young Italian had already posted a photo on Instagram showing him watching Verstappen’s run at the Nordschleife, which naturally led to questions about whether he’d be interested in racing alongside Verstappen one day.
Antonelli didn’t hesitate, saying: “Definitely the Nurburgring 24 Hours, because the Nordschleife is one of my favourite tracks. I’ve only done one lap in a road car, but I’d love to try it in a racing car.”
“Then the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is an incredible race: I’ve gone to watch it three times, and it’s always been brilliant. And then I’d also do the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta or the 12 Hours of Sebring.”
Since Verstappen began exploring GT3 racing, quite a few F1 drivers have mentioned how they wouldn’t mind joining him for a stint at ‘the Green Hell’.
Q&A
What is Kimi Antonelli's plan for the Nurburgring 24 Hours?
Kimi Antonelli hopes to join Max Verstappen for a future entry in the Nurburgring 24 Hours.
Why is Max Verstappen's permit significant for other drivers?
Max Verstappen's permit to compete at the Nurburgring has encouraged other drivers, like Lance Stroll, to explore racing in categories outside of Formula 1.
What other endurance races does Kimi Antonelli want to enter?
Kimi Antonelli has mentioned interest in three additional endurance races he would like to participate in with Max Verstappen.
