Max Verstappen swaps F1 for GT500 promo run ahead of Japanese GP

Fresh off a victory in a Mercedes GT3 at the Nürburgring, Max Verstappen has taken to the track again, this time piloting a powerful Nissan Z NISMO GT500 in a promotional run at Fuji Speedway ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend. The Red Bull driver experienced the significant performance gap between GT3 and Japan's premier GT machinery on a rain-soaked circuit, highlighting his versatility and ongoing promotional duties beyond Formula 1.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's continuous engagement with high-performance GT cars, even during an F1 race weekend, underscores his pure passion for driving and his value as a global motorsport ambassador. It also offers a rare, direct comparison for fans between the capabilities of top-tier GT500 cars and the more common GT3 spec, with the Japanese machine being dramatically faster.

The details:

• The run took place at Fuji Speedway, a former F1 venue, which will host the third round of the 2026 F1 season this weekend.
• Verstappen drove a Nissan Z NISMO GT500 specially wrapped in Red Bull livery and fitted with cameras for the promotional activity.
• The GT500 car, which competes in Japan's Super GT championship, is in a different performance league to the GT3 car he drove days prior. On a dry Fuji circuit, the GT500 can be up to 12 seconds per lap faster than a GT3 car.
• This activity follows his successful four-hour endurance race outing on the Nordschleife, where he shared a Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon and won the event.

The big picture:

While fully focused on his F1 title defense with Red Bull, Verstappen frequently seizes opportunities to drive other racing machines, from GT cars to sim racing. These activities keep his skills razor-sharp and satisfy his renowned appetite for being behind the wheel. For Nissan and Super GT, securing a driver of Verstappen's caliber for a promotional run provides immense global exposure for their championship and showcases the extreme performance of their flagship GT car to a wider audience.

What's next:

The on-track fun now gives way to the serious business of the Japanese Grand Prix. Verstappen will shift his focus back to his RB22, aiming to continue Red Bull's strong start to the 2026 season at a circuit where he has historically performed very well. The contrast between the raw, mechanical feel of the GT500 and the precision of his F1 car will be a fresh reference point as he attacks the Fuji circuit layout this weekend.