Max Verstappen made a major step outside of his usual racing environment by testing the Acura ARX-06 GTP prototype on Tuesday.
The event took place at the Las Vegas Speedway’s Outside Road Course, just days before the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix. The test was organized by Honda’s racing division, HRC, and featured all four drivers from the Red Bull Racing team, including Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez.
During this unique opportunity, Max Verstappen dedicated nearly an entire workday to familiarize himself with the Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-06 GTP which competes in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Accompanied by seasoned drivers Colin Braun and Scott Dixon, who provided valuable insights and guidance throughout the session the three-time Formula 1 champion and current frontrunner in the F1 standings quickly adapted to the intricacies of the prototype car.
Verstappen transitioned to the more powerful prototype after an initial reconnaissance lap in a Honda Civic Hybrid to get a feel for the track conditions. The Acura ARX-06 GTP is equipped with a 2.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces impressive horsepower, allowing for exhilarating performance on the track.
As the Dutchman exited the pits using electric power before switching to the combustion engine, he expressed his excitement about driving such a sophisticated machine for the first time.
Despite being familiar with GTP cars through simulations, experiencing it in real life brought a new level of excitement for Verstappen. He quickly established a competitive pace on the compact track but noted that he was still adjusting to certain aspects of the car’s handling, particularly its engine braking system.
The distinct sounds emitted by the Acura ARX-06 GTP as he navigated corners were indicative of his learning process as he acclimated to its performance characteristics.
One of the key challenges Max Verstappen encountered during his test was getting the tires warmed up adequately—a crucial factor in maximizing grip and performance on track. He acknowledged that “the tires take a long time to warm up,” which is essential knowledge for any driver transitioning from F1 to endurance racing.
His experience in simulations undoubtedly helped him understand some of these dynamics, but nothing could replace the hands-on experience he was gaining during the test.
Following his laps in the Acura ARX-06 GTP, Verstappen returned to the pits for a systems check and engaged in discussions about his performance with his team and fellow drivers. His eagerness to know his lap times reflected his competitive nature and desire to benchmark his performance against other drivers who regularly compete in IMSA events.
READ ALSO: Max Verstappen goes undercover in charity sim racing
Max Verstappen’s interest in endurance racing is not new; he has participated in various online endurance races throughout the year and has expressed a clear enthusiasm for prototypes and long-distance racing formats.
“I follow the series anyway, IMSA and WEC, quite a few of my friends race there but have never driven one so to get a first feel for it here was very enjoyable,” Verstappen said after his stint. “Of course, I have driven these cars on the sim before, but to get the feeling in real life was really cool.”
“I have driven it a bit on the sim so that helped with the feeling and how the car handles, and had I not done that before it would’ve taken longer to get the feeling—so for me it was quite natural.
“To heat up the tires takes quite a bit of time in this [weather], but it was very enjoyable finding the limits step by step and not overdoing it because it’s not necessary at all. Just wanted to have a bit of fun out there.”
During interviews after his test session, he indicated that while he is keen on participating in real-life endurance races like those held at Daytona or Le Mans, scheduling conflicts with his F1 commitments pose significant challenges.
“It’s not about teasing, I know I want to do it in the future, it’s just finding the time,” he stated confidently when discussing potential future participation in such events.
“With the busy schedule, it’s almost impossible. We finish [F1] so late in the season and then to properly prepare before heading to Daytona [in January] is really impossible.
“I know I want to do it but when I do it I want and try to win it, and the only way to do it is to do proper testing—which is not possible at the moment. But who knows, maybe in a few years time. I will still be young-ish.”
The prospect of Max Verstappen racing a prototype or hypercar has generated considerable excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. His remarkable talent behind the wheel suggests that if he were to enter endurance racing seriously, he would aim not just to participate but to win—a mindset that has driven him to success in F1.
Meanwhile, Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez also took part in this special testing event, driving a Honda CR-V “Beast,” which features an 800-horsepower Indy hybrid engine. Meanwhile, RB’s Yuki Tsunoda tested a current-generation IndyCar during this event as well.
The gathering of elite drivers from different racing disciplines showcased Honda’s commitment to fostering talent across various motorsport categories.
As Max Verstappen prepares for the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix—where he stands on the cusp of securing his fourth consecutive drivers’ championship—this test serves as both an exciting diversion and a potential stepping stone into another facet of motorsport.
READ MORE: Max Verstappen launches his own team with Red Bull
