Max Verstappen has the full trust of Red Bull to race outside of Formula 1, something not all drivers have in the championship.
Former F1 driver David Coulthard highlighted the unique opportunity Max Verstappen has to race in multiple series outside of Red Bull, drawing from his own career for comparison. Verstappen’s foray into GT racing began last year and intensified in 2026, with upcoming highlights including his Nürburgring 24 Hours debut in May. The Dutch driver’s ability to test GT cars and participate in diverse racing experiences sets him apart in the current F1 landscape. Coulthard disclosed that not all drivers have the privilege to engage in non-F1 events as Verstappen does, citing his own contractual limitations early in his career. While Coulthard faced restrictions at Williams, his transition to McLaren offered more freedom under the condition of assuming personal responsibility for potential injuries that could affect his racing commitments. With Verstappen’s multi-disciplinary racing pursuits, Coulthard’s insights shed light on the varying levels of contractual permissions and personal accountability within the competitive world of Formula 1.
