Off-track revelations: Verstappen shares surprise racing plans in a friendly chat with Russell – In the aftermath of the tense and controversial Canadian Grand Prix, two of Formula 1’s most combative competitors, Max Verstappen and George Russell, were filmed sharing travel tips and casually discussing their future racing ambitions.
Max Verstappen and George Russell, who have often been at odds with each other in previous seasons, were filmed having a surprisingly friendly exchange as they made their way to the stewards’ office following Red Bull’s protest against Russell’s safety car manoeuvres.
Protest fizzles, but friendship sparks
The real story was not the protest, but the candid conversation that offered a rare insight into Verstappen’s plans outside of Formula 1. This included a significant hint about a potential GT3 racing programme that could soon become a major focus for him.
The flashpoint between Red Bull and Mercedes occurred during a late safety car phase in Montreal. Russell, who went on to secure a crucial victory for Mercedes, was accused by Red Bull of performing irregular braking manoeuvres that could have influenced his position on the track. This prompted a formal protest and summoned both drivers to appear before the stewards.
Yet, rather than fireworks, the encounter was marked by banter. New video footage released by Viaplay captured the two rivals walking together and laughing as they made travel plans, far from the sharp words exchanged after incidents in Spain and Singapore last season. This good-natured exchange was a far cry from the tension that had characterised many of their previous encounters, including the heated words exchanged following incidents in Spain and Singapore last season.
The conversation starts with Russell talking about his schedule and casually telling Verstappen that he is on his way to the New York premiere of the hotly anticipated Formula 1 film starring Brad Pitt, which was co-produced by Lewis Hamilton.
Verstappen laughs, quipping, “I think the flight is delayed!”
This suggests that, despite the formalities ahead, neither of them was taking the stewards’ summons too seriously.
Lights, camera… Simulator?
Russell then explains that, after the glitz and glamour of New York, he will be going straight back to work.
“On Thursday, I’m back on the simulator…” he says. This reveals the level of dedication that Mercedes is putting into their championship fight, even after a race win.
However, it is Verstappen’s response that truly raises eyebrows, not because of what he says, but because of what it hints at.
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After discussing the film premiere and the simulator, Verstappen changes the subject to his travel plans, which include a detour into the world of GT3 racing.
“Yes, on Tuesday I’ll be in Spa to test a GT3,” Verstappen tells Russell. “And then I’ll come back.”
This alone is enough to pique people’s curiosity. Verstappen has long expressed an interest in racing beyond Formula 1. He has been spotted at sim racing events and has experimented with endurance testing. He has also spoken about his long-term goal of competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, this is the first real indication that he is actively preparing for a concrete opportunity in the GT3 category.
Clearly intrigued, Russell presses further: “Are you participating in races, or not?”
Verstappen’s answer is evasive yet revealing: “It’s difficult to plan…” The video then cuts out, leaving fans and the media to speculate about what he might have said next, and whether this signals a more formal commitment than a one-off test.
A shift in focus?
Although Verstappen is still fully committed to Red Bull and the Formula 1 World Championship, where he remains a frontrunner despite increased pressure from McLaren and Mercedes, his interest in GT racing appears to be growing. Sources close to Red Bull have previously dismissed suggestions that Verstappen might compete in other series during the F1 season. However, the Dutchman’s Spa test and evasive answers suggest that this may no longer be hypothetical.
If he does choose to take part in GT3 races, or even endurance events, this would mirror a growing trend among top-tier drivers seeking to diversify their racing portfolios.
Fernando Alonso’s participation in IndyCar and Le Mans, and Kimi Räikkönen’s appearances in NASCAR, are well known. Now, Verstappen could be laying the groundwork for a multi-category motorsport legacy of his own, long before his Formula 1 retirement becomes a topic of discussion.
Changing dynamics between rivals
Perhaps the most striking element of the exchange is not Verstappen’s GT3 ambitions, but how normal the moment seems between two drivers who were once seen as fierce adversaries.
There was a time not long ago when Verstappen and Russell appeared to be on a collision course every other race weekend. On-track clashes, pointed radio messages and passive-aggressive comments to the press all suggested a bitter rivalry was developing. Yet here they were, smiling, chatting and seemingly enjoying each other’s company in the paddock corridors.
Whether this détente reflects mutual respect, maturity, or simply the shared weariness of a long and competitive F1 season remains unclear. But one thing is certain: the dynamic between the two drivers is changing.
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A new chapter for Max?
Verstappen’s casual mention of GT3 may have seemed like a throwaway comment, but fans and observers know better. When a four-time world champion mentions testing a new car at Spa, it’s no coincidence — it’s a clue.
The only question now is how many more clues will emerge before Verstappen announces a proper GT programme. Will it be a guest appearance in a prestigious event such as the Spa 24 Hours? Or will it be something more substantial, such as a dedicated GT3 campaign running alongside or after his F1 commitments?
For now, Verstappen isn’t saying. But the fact that he’s entertaining the idea suggests that the path has already begun to take shape, even if it’s still shrouded in secrecy.
From fiery paddock run-ins to light-hearted banter and shared ambitions beyond Formula 1, the footage from Canada reminds us that the sport’s biggest stories aren’t always told from behind a visor. Sometimes, they unfold quietly — between two tired drivers on their way to see the stewards, dreaming of red carpets and racetracks far from Montreal.
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