Aston Martin factory driver Nicki Thiim has taken a pointed swipe at Formula 1’s 2026 cars following Max Verstappen’s appearance in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup at Portimão. The Danish driver suggested that the four-time world champion had turned to GT racing because he wanted to experience a “real racing car” rather than the heavily electrified machinery used in modern Formula 1.
Thiim’s remark follows the criticism Max Verstappen expressed earlier in the 2026 season about Formula 1’s new generation of cars. His participation in the Portuguese GT3 event has attracted considerable attention, bringing one of the championship’s biggest names onto a grid filled with experienced endurance racing specialists and ambitious young drivers.
Nicki Thiim mocks Formula 1 cars over Max Verstappen’s GT3 appearance
Nicki Thiim is known not only for his performances as an Aston Martin factory driver but also for his outspoken opinions. During this year’s DTM season, in which he remained in championship contention until the closing stages, his comments frequently attracted attention from motorsport fans.
Motor racing also runs in the Danish driver’s family. His father, Kurt Thiim, won the DTM championship in 1986, and Nicki has repeatedly demonstrated his enthusiasm for traditional racing throughout his career.
During the live broadcast of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup race at Portimão, Thiim once again delivered a comment likely to generate discussion.
Asked about the participation of Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, the Aston Martin driver did not miss the opportunity to criticise the sport’s current technical direction.
“He probably wanted to drive a real racing car and not those electric things he drives in Formula 1.”
The remark was a clear reference to Verstappen’s strong criticism of the 2026 Formula 1 cars, particularly during the opening stages of the season.
Max Verstappen races a Mercedes-AMG GT3 at Portimão
For his appearance in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, Max Verstappen competed in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing, with support from British outfit 2Seas Motorsport.
The car featured a distinctive Red Bull livery and was powered by a naturally aspirated 6.3-litre V8 engine producing approximately 550 horsepower.
That specification offered a marked contrast to the highly complex hybrid power units used in Formula 1 under the 2026 regulations, helping explain why Thiim chose the Dutchman’s GT3 appearance as an opportunity to make his point.
However, the reaction to Verstappen’s participation was not the same throughout the paddock. While some drivers were delighted to share the circuit with one of Formula 1’s most successful contemporary competitors, others preferred to concentrate on their own race programmes.
Verstappen joins 183 drivers on the Portimão GT3 grid
Many factory drivers chose not to comment on the presence of such a high-profile guest, instead focusing on their race weekend and the opportunity to secure the best possible result in one of the world’s most prestigious GT championships.
From that perspective, Max Verstappen was simply one of the 183 drivers competing at Portimão.
The Portuguese grid featured 61 GT3 cars, each shared by three drivers, creating a highly competitive field in which every crew had its own sporting objectives.
Furthermore, many of the professionals involved were already familiar with Verstappen’s interest in GT racing. The Dutchman has recently gained experience in the category through appearances connected with the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the Nürburgring Endurance Series.
His involvement in GT competition has therefore become more than an occasional curiosity, with fellow drivers increasingly encountering him in the endurance racing environment.
Young GT3 drivers excited to race alongside Max Verstappen
For several younger competitors, however, the chance to race alongside Max Verstappen represented a particularly special experience.
Brazilian driver Sebá Malucelli, making his series debut in a Porsche entered by razoon – more than racing, expressed his excitement about joining the field.
“For me, it is an indescribable joy to be part of the most important GT championship in the world. I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to race alongside drivers who have always been my role models in GT3 racing.”
The Brazilian admitted that Verstappen’s presence made the occasion even more memorable.
“And, as if that were not enough, there is the incredible news that Max Verstappen will also be taking part in this race at Portimão. I could not be happier.”
Leo Pichler, who has previously won a race in the ADAC GT Masters, also welcomed the opportunity to share the track with the Formula 1 champion.
“As an added bonus, it is obviously incredibly cool to be on the starting grid in the same race as Max Verstappen.”
Verstappen’s GT3 appearance highlights contrasting views of modern F1
The different reactions illustrate how Verstappen’s presence has been received within GT racing. For established competitors such as Nicki Thiim, it provides another opportunity to discuss the character of modern racing machinery. For younger drivers, it represents the chance to compete directly against one of the sport’s most recognisable names.
Thiim’s comments also connect Verstappen’s enthusiasm for GT3 competition with the wider debate surrounding Formula 1’s 2026 regulations and their increased emphasis on electrical energy management.
Whether viewed as a light-hearted criticism of modern Formula 1 or an expression of enthusiasm for traditional GT machinery, the remark reflects the attention generated whenever Verstappen steps outside the championship in which he has established his reputation.
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