Factory BMW driver Robin Frijns believes that reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen is only a matter of time away from switching to the FIA World Endurance Championship, with the Hypercar category seen as the most natural destination for the Dutchman.
Frijns’ comments come amid growing crossover between Formula 1 and endurance racing, with Verstappen increasingly visible in GT machinery and Nordschleife competition. The Red Bull driver is set to contest additional Nürburgring action this weekend ahead of his debut attempt at the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Frijns, who recently returned to the Nordschleife in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie, shares the belief that Verstappen’s long-term trajectory points towards endurance racing’s top tier.
“He’ll do it properly”
Speaking after victory in the BMW BMW M4 GT3 Evo alongside Marco Wittmann and Philipp Eng, Frijns suggested Verstappen’s growing interest in GT racing is driven by both enjoyment and motivation outside Formula 1.
“In his position, I would probably do the same,” Frijns said. “If you look at where he is in F1, it may not always be the most enjoyable environment. GT3 clearly appeals to him, and if he decides to do the Nordschleife 24 Hours, he will do it properly. That’s the type of driver he is.”
Frijns also pointed to Verstappen’s involvement in his own GT racing operation as evidence of his commitment to endurance competition.
Verstappen as a future WEC contender
| Factor | Frijns’ View |
|---|---|
| Likely category | Hypercar |
| Timing | “In a few years” |
| Preferred discipline | Endurance top class |
| GT3 interest | Personal passion, but not main goal |
| Adaptation to WEC | Expected to be immediate |
Frijns is adamant that Verstappen would bypass the GT3 class if he were to join the WEC full-time, instead targeting the premier Hypercar category.
“I think he’d go straight to Hypercar,” he explained. “If you’re that kind of driver, you want to race at the very top level. That’s where the challenge is.”
“Hypercar suits F1 drivers better”
Frijns also highlighted the technical similarities between modern Formula 1 cars and Hypercar machinery, suggesting the transition would be relatively straightforward for a driver of Verstappen’s calibre.
“Formula 1 is incredibly complex now, arguably more so in terms of systems,” he said. “Hypercars are still fast and demanding, but the fundamentals are more natural. I don’t think he would need long to adapt.”
By contrast, Frijns admitted GT3 machinery does not suit his own driving style, describing it as heavier and less aerodynamically efficient than prototype cars.
Endurance racing on the rise
Verstappen’s increasing participation in GT racing has already boosted global attention on endurance competition, something Frijns hopes will extend to the WEC.
“I hope the championship continues to grow,” he said. “Events like Spa and Le Mans already attract huge crowds, but smaller rounds can struggle. If someone like Max joins WEC, it would give the series a massive boost.”
“He would be fast immediately”
Despite Verstappen having no confirmed Hypercar programme, Frijns has little doubt about his potential.
“I don’t think he would need ten days to be competitive,” he said. “If he steps into a Hypercar, he will be quick straight away. That’s just the level he is at.”