Max Verstappen snubs NASCAR switch but opens door to competing in legendary race | F1 | Sport

Max Verstappen has opened the door to competing in the legendary Bathurst 1000 race in Australia after stepping behind the wheel of a Supercar machine during the private test.

The four-time F1 world champion is contracted with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season and has suggested that he could walk away from the series at the expiry of his current deal, turning his attention to other racing disciplines.

Verstappen’s desire to compete in endurance racing is well-documented. The 28-year-old will take on the iconic Nurburgring 24-hour race in 2026 after obtaining his license last year, and he has designs on competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the near future.

Asked about different racing series he wanted to compete in during a Red Bull social channels video, the Dutchman spoke positively about the World Endurance Championship and GT World Challenge, but was most intrigued by the Supercars Championship.

“I drove it last week, it was lots of fun,” Verstappen revealed, lifting the lid on a private test. “Maybe [I will do] Bathurst.” This will come as no surprise to those who follow the Dutchman’s sim-racing exploits, as the four-time F1 champion is often spotted racing on the legendary Mount Panorama circuit.

However, Verstappen had no interest in following in the footsteps of Supercars legend Shane van Gisbergen and trying his hand at the NASCAR Cup Series. The Red Bull F1 ace expressed no interest in America’s premier stock-car offering, even when asked about road course entries specifically.

In recent years, F1 alumni have flocked to the NASCAR ladder, with Kimi Raikkonen, Jenson Button and Kamui Kobayashi among those to have sampled the experience behind the wheel of the next-gen car.

Verstappen also ruled out competing in the IndyCar series, having previously made it clear that he has no plans to emulate close friend and F1 rival Fernando Alonso in attempting the Indianapolis 500.

“I’ve no desire to chase the Triple Crown – at least, not IndyCar,” he declared back in 2022. “I appreciate what they do. It’s insane. These drivers… I have a lot of respect for what they achieve there.

“But, for me, especially after now being in F1 for such a long time already – I don’t need to risk my life there and potentially injure myself, your legs, whatever… It’s just not worth it anymore, let’s say like that.”