Andrea Kimi Antonelli has expressed his interest in teaming up with Max Verstappen for an endurance race in the future. As the four-time champion prepares for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring later this year, Antonelli admitted that driving with Verstappen would be exciting given their shared interest in GT racing.
The comments came after Verstappen confirmed his participation in the iconic Nürburgring 24 Hours. The Dutchman has long described the race as a personal milestone. Antonelli did not hide his excitement about the idea when asked about racing alongside the Red Bull driver.
“I’d love to do an endurance race with Max. That would be really cool,” Antonelli said, via F1Passion. “It would be absolutely amazing. We both have a passion for GT cars, and that’s what makes it so cool.”
Kimi Antonelli’s connection to the GT world runs deeper than casual interest. His father, Marco Antonelli, operates a GT racing team, which has exposed the young driver to the category from an early age. That environment has allowed the Italian to occasionally “go testing sometimes, if possible.”
Max Verstappen’s involvement in endurance racing has only increased interest among drivers in the F1 paddock. He began GT racing last year. He first logged laps in a Porsche Cayman GT4, which helped him obtain the DMSB Permit Nordschleife license that is required for drivers before they are allowed to compete in GT3 machinery on the circuit often referred to as the “Green Hell.”
Antonelli also hopes to follow a similar path:
“I’ve thought about it before. We’d make a fantastic duo. I’d love to race with him in an endurance race in the future… I’ve already asked if I can test on the Nordschleife, because I love that circuit. I would love to experience it someday.”
Max Verstappen secured a debut win in the Nürburgring Endurance Series, sharing a Ferrari 296 GT3 with sim racer Chris Lulham after qualifying on the front row.
Kimi Antonelli says he will watch Max Verstappen’s Nürburgring 24 Hours attempt
While a partnership between the two drivers remains only an idea for now, Max Verstappen’s upcoming endurance program is already on course. The 24 Hours of Nürburgring is widely regarded as one of the most demanding events in motorsport. The race will take place on May 16 and 17 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, a circuit famous for its length and narrow sections.
For Verstappen, competing in the race has been a long-standing ambition:
“The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a special place. There’s no other track like it. The 24h Nürburgring is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really thrilled we can make it happen now.”
Kimi Antonelli echoed the excitement:
“That will be a fantastic event, and I’ll definitely be watching.”
Max Verstappen is expected to compete with Winward Racing in a Mercedes‑AMG GT3, with support from Red Bull Racing alongside Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer. The entry will first appear in the Nürburgring Endurance Series on March 21 before the main 24-hour race later in the season.
Edited by Hitesh Nigam
