Last Updated on April 26 2026, 3:10 pm
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen is experiencing one of the most challenging phases of his Formula 1 career, sitting ninth in the championship standings and struggling to adapt to the new technical regulations. While his on-track performance has declined, the Dutchman has found an outlet away from F1 by driving GT3 cars at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Former F1 driver David Coulthard has explained that these activities are only possible due to a specific clause in Verstappen’s contract.
Difficult start to the 2026 season for Verstappen
Since the introduction of the 2026 regulations, Verstappen has struggled to deliver consistent performances. The Red Bull driver, accustomed to competing at the top level, has found himself far from the title battle and is currently ninth in the standings.
According to reports, his frustration with the new era of Formula 1 has become increasingly apparent. He has even suggested that he may step away from the sport at the end of the season, as reported previously by De Telegraaf. While no decision has been made, the uncertainty surrounding his long-term future is a popular topic of conversation in the paddock.
Nordschleife GT3 drive offers Verstappen a reset
Away from Formula 1, Verstappen has turned to endurance-style racing to clear his head. Most notably, he took part in GT3 testing at the legendary Nordschleife circuit, widely regarded as one of the most challenging in the world.
The Dutchman has spoken positively about the experience, saying: ‘The Nürburgring is a special place. There’s no other circuit like it. The Nürburgring 24 Hours race has been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m thrilled that we can finally make it happen.’
This appearance highlights his long-standing interest in racing disciplines outside of Formula 1, particularly endurance and GT racing, where driving freedom and technical variation are significantly greater.
Coulthard explains why contract clauses are crucial
The former Formula 1 driver highlighted that not every F1 driver is granted such freedom due to contractual obligations with their teams.
He said: “Not all contracts allow it! My contract with Williams prohibited me from doing things like hang gliding or BASE jumping — activities that I would never have wanted to do anyway, but which were popular at the time. Then, with my McLaren contract, I would go skiing with Ron Dennis, the team principal, and Mika Häkkinen. We would go in the winter to train and ski. Ron’s attitude was, ‘You’re a professional, you’re an adult,'”
His comments underline how driver clauses have evolved over time, with modern contracts often being tailored more individually, depending on the philosophy and risk tolerance of the team.
Why do F1 contracts tightly control outside racing?
Formula 1 teams typically include strict clauses restricting external motorsport participation due to injury risk and commercial obligations. Activities involving high-speed racing in other categories are often prohibited or require explicit permission.
In Verstappen’s case, the allowance to drive GT3 machinery highlights the level of trust between driver and team, even during a challenging championship campaign. This also reflects the growing overlap between sim racing culture, endurance racing and F1 drivers seeking additional competitive outlets.
Pressure builds amid uncertain future direction
With Verstappen experiencing a rare downturn in form, speculation about his motivation has intensified. While he remains one of the most successful drivers of the modern era, his current position outside the title fight contrasts sharply with recent seasons.
For now, his focus appears divided between improving his performance in Formula 1 and enjoying select racing projects outside the championship. Whether he will maintain this balance in the long term is one of the key unanswered questions of the 2026 season.
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A senior writer at TJ13, C.J. Alderson serves as Senior Editor and newsroom coordinator, with a background in online sports reporting and motorsport magazine editing. Alderson’s professional training in media studies and experience managing content teams ensures TJ13 maintains consistency of voice and credibility. During race weekends, Alderson acts as desk lead, directing contributors and smoothing breaking stories for publication.
Stanton is a London-based journalist specialising in sports business and sponsorship. With a degree in economics and years reporting for business-focused publications, Stanton translates F1’s complex financial world into clear, compelling narratives.
