Verstappen Aston Martin test at Paul Ricard – Verstappen takes the wheel of Aston Martin’s latest car – Max Verstappen has hit the headlines once again, this time not for his dominant performances in Formula 1, but for his involvement in GT3 racing. The reigning world champion was recently spotted testing an Aston Martin GT3 car at the Paul Ricard circuit, adding fuel to the ongoing speculation about his relationship with the British manufacturer.
While rumors have linked Verstappen to a potential move to Aston Martin’s Formula 1 team, the Dutch driver has clarified that his interactions with the brand are centered around a separate project. His latest test drive underlines his growing commitment to GT3 racing, a category for which he has frequently expressed his enthusiasm.
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The billion-dollar rumour and Verstappen’s clarification
Back in January, a sensational rumour surfaced in the UK that Aston Martin were prepared to offer a staggering £1 billion to lure Verstappen away from Red Bull. The speculation sparked widespread debate, with many dismissing the claim as highly unlikely.
Ahead of the F1 75 Live event in London, the rumour was widely ridiculed, although Verstappen did confirm that he had spoken to Aston Martin. However, he was quick to clarify that their discussions were solely about his GT3 ambitions, rather than a possible shift in his F1 career.
“I spoke to Aston Martin, but it was about my GT3 project,” said Verstappen, dismissing any suggestion of a move to F1. That clarification did little to dampen curiosity about his involvement with the manufacturer, and his recent appearance at Paul Ricard has only added to the intrigue.
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Testing at Paul Ricard
Verstappen’s passion for GT3 racing is well documented. He has been a frequent driver of high-performance GT cars over the years, often testing different manufacturers’ cars in private or promotional events. Last weekend, he was once again behind the wheel of a GT3 car, this time the latest model from Aston Martin.
The test took place at the Paul Ricard circuit in France, a venue well known for its use in endurance racing and GT testing. Verstappen was at the wheel of a new Aston Martin GT3 car sporting the colours of Verstappen.com Racing, his own race team.
Photographs from the test show the Dutch driver pushing the car around the circuit, highlighting his hands-on approach to his GT3 involvement. The presence of Verstappen.com Racing branding suggests that this test was more than just a casual outing – it appears to be part of a structured project with serious ambitions.
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Expansion into GT3 racing
Verstappen has previously hinted at significant plans in the GT3 world, and his comments in London suggest that those ambitions are rapidly taking shape. According to Motorsport.com, the project in question revolves around participation in the GT World Challenge Europe, with a focus on endurance racing.
Reports suggest that the project could involve a collaboration with 2 Seas Motorsport, a team known for its competitive presence in GT racing. Verstappen is believed to be assembling a line-up of drivers for the endurance category, signalling his intention to create a serious racing programme.
Among the drivers linked to this endeavour are Thierry Vermeulen and Chris Lulham.
– Thierry Vermeulen is the son of Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen. He currently competes in the DTM series and has experience in GT racing, making him a natural fit for the project.
– Chris Lulham, on the other hand, is best known as a sim racer, a background that matches Verstappen’s belief in bridging the gap between virtual and real racing. Lulham’s involvement would reflect Verstappen’s long-standing support for sim racers, a group he believes has the potential to thrive in professional motorsport.
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The future of Verstappen’s GT3 project
With his F1 career still in full swing, Verstappen’s growing involvement in GT3 racing raises intriguing questions about his long-term future. While there is no indication that he is considering leaving F1 in the near future, his passion for GT racing suggests that he is laying the groundwork for future endeavours beyond the pinnacle of motorsport.
The partnership with Aston Martin, the rumoured involvement of 2 Seas Motorsport and the driver selection all point to a well-structured plan to compete at the highest levels of GT endurance racing.
As the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe season approaches, more details of Verstappen’s project are expected to emerge. His recent test at Paul Ricard is likely to be just the start of a larger effort to establish a competitive GT3 team under the Verstappen.com Racing banner.
For now, Verstappen remains focused on his Formula 1 campaign, but his increasing presence on the GT3 scene suggests he is already preparing for a future beyond single-seaters. Whether this is just a passion project or the start of a long-term motorsport venture remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – wherever Verstappen goes, excitement follows.
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