Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a young racing driver, has recently expressed his interest in teaming up with Max Verstappen for an endurance race in the future. The four-time champion is gearing up for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring later this year, and Antonelli sees the opportunity to drive alongside Verstappen as an exciting prospect, given their mutual passion for GT racing.
Verstappen’s confirmation of his participation in the iconic Nürburgring 24 Hours has sparked enthusiasm among fellow drivers, including Antonelli. The Italian driver shared his thoughts on the possibility of racing with Verstappen, stating, “I’d love to do an endurance race with Max. That would be really cool. It would be absolutely amazing. We both have a passion for GT cars, and that’s what makes it so cool.”
Antonelli’s connection to the GT world goes beyond just casual interest. His father, Marco Antonelli, runs a GT racing team, exposing the young driver to the category from a young age. This exposure has allowed Antonelli to occasionally participate in testing sessions, giving him valuable experience in the GT racing scene.
Following in Verstappen’s footsteps, Antonelli hopes to pursue a similar path in endurance racing. He mentioned, “I’ve thought about it before. We’d make a fantastic duo. I’d love to race with him in an endurance race in the future… I’ve already asked if I can test on the Nordschleife, because I love that circuit. I would love to experience it someday.”
Verstappen’s recent success in the Nürburgring Endurance Series has further fueled Antonelli’s interest in endurance racing. The Dutch driver claimed victory in his debut race, piloting a Ferrari 296 GT3 alongside sim racer Chris Lulham after qualifying on the front row.
As Verstappen prepares for the upcoming 24 Hours of Nürburgring with Winward Racing in a Mercedes-AMG GT3, Antonelli has expressed his eagerness to watch the event unfold. The race, scheduled for May 16 and 17 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, is known for its challenging nature and demanding conditions.
Verstappen has long considered the Nürburgring 24 Hours as a personal goal, stating, “The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a special place. There’s no other track like it. The 24h Nürburgring is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really thrilled we can make it happen now.” Antonelli shared the excitement, adding, “That will be a fantastic event, and I’ll definitely be watching.”
With Verstappen’s foray into endurance racing inspiring a new wave of interest among drivers, the prospect of seeing Antonelli and Verstappen team up for a future endurance race is an exciting possibility. As both drivers continue to hone their skills and push the boundaries of motorsport, fans can look forward to witnessing their potential partnership on the track.
