Action Items

Driver’s Dinner Payment

• Max Verstappen: Clarify the process for paying the driver’s dinner bill for future reference. He needs to actively ensure he gets a chance to pay.

GT3 Sim Racing Plans

• Max Verstappen: To be in the pro championship in GT3 racing next year with changing cars.
  • due: soon (details to be revealed)
• Max Verstappen: To build the GT3 program step by step to ensure future growth and avoid setbacks.

Ford Le Mans Hypercar Entry (2027)

• Max Verstappen: Discuss potential involvement in developing Ford’s 2027 Le Mans hypercar entry. (No concrete commitment yet, as “we haven’t spoken about that”).

Holiday Plans and Next Year Preparation

• Max Verstappen: Spend time with family, including his first Christmas with Lily.
• Max Verstappen: Go on holiday with good friends.
• Max Verstappen: Ensure the GT3 program for next year is well-prepared.

Listener Questions & Media Interaction

• Max Verstappen: Answer listener questions.
  • Question from Ashwin in India: Which era of car would you like to drive the most?
    • Max Verstappen: Early 2000s cars due to their noise, size, and “roughness.” He hasn’t driven one but would “send it” if he had the chance.
  • Question from Chris from the USA: What will you miss least about racing in the ground effect era?
    • Max Verstappen: The stiffness of the cars and the extreme vertical loads (up to 9G) on bumpy tracks, which are detrimental to his spine and neck.
  • Question from Harsh in the UAE: What’s one goal you have before you retire from F1?
    • Max Verstappen: To continue trying to win and have fun with his team, essentially aiming to stay competitive.
  • Question from Jason in the USA: Do you have goals of helping develop Ford’s 2027 Le Mans hypercar entry through working with them through 2026?
    • Max Verstappen: Hasn’t spoken about it, but expressed interest in racing with teammates and the appeal of fewer races in endurance events.
  • Question about what he would say to his younger self:
    • Max Verstappen: Would not give his younger self advice to avoid making the process boring and to allow for learning from mistakes and tough times.
  • Question about what race he would like to live again:
    • Max Verstappen: Any race from the 2023 season, with a specific mention of Monza 2023, to try and win them all, including Singapore.
• Max Verstappen: Stop asking “stupid questions” to the media.

General Outlook and Reflections

• Max Verstappen: To continue to be authentic and not a “fake person” in the paddock.
• Max Verstappen: To rely on his family and friends to provide honest feedback if he acts out of line.
• Max Verstappen: To approach life and his profession with a relaxed attitude, as stress is bad for his health.