GT3 star on Max Verstappen: “Wanted a proper racing car”

Aston Martin works driver Nicki Thiim is known for his outspoken comments. During this year’s DTM season, in which the Dane battled for the title right up until the end of the season, fans repeatedly cheered on the pithy remarks of the speedy Northerner, who cuts a striking figure with his beard and hairstyle. Motorsport runs in the Thiim family’s blood, as his father, Kurt Thiim, became DTM champion in 1986. Nicki Thiim has repeatedly shown himself to be a motorsport purist in the past.

Nicki Thiim provided another moment of amusement during the broadcast of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup from Portimão. When asked about the participation of four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, Thiim said in a TV interview: “He probably wanted to drive a proper racing car and not those electric things he drives around in Formula 1.”

Nicki Thiim im Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT3

Foto: Gruppe C Photography

With this, Nicki Thiim is alluding to Max Verstappen’s scathing criticism of the 2026 generation of Formula 1 cars, which the Dutchman voiced particularly at the start of the season.

Max Verstappen’s spectacular race car

During his guest appearance in the world’s largest GT series, Max Verstappen is driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 fielded by the Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing. His team is supported by the British 2Seas Motorsport team. The GT3 car, featuring the eye-catching Red Bull livery, is powered by a 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine producing around 550 PS.

Topic of the week

Topic of the week: MotoGP’s new schedule proved highly controversial

In 2027, MotoGP will also enter the 850cc era with a new schedule. It was not so much the changes themselves as the way the decisions were reached that caused a stir. A prime example of: ‘Talking helps’.

Thomas Kuttruf

Read More

TV Program

Live

Austin: 1. Freies Training

FIA Formula One World Championship

23.10.2026 - 19:25

Many of the works drivers are reluctant to comment on the high-profile guest driver during the race weekend in Portimão, as they wish to focus on their own race weekend whilst battling for the best possible result and prestige in the world’s premier GT racing series. For them, Verstappen is just one of the 183 drivers in the field – a staggering 61 GT3 cars will line up on the grid in Portugal, with three drivers taking the wheel in each. Furthermore, many of the professionals already know Verstappen from his appearances in the Nürburgring 24-hour race and, more recently, in the Nürburgring Endurance Series this year.

Gentleman drivers and young talents delighted by Verstappen’s participation

For many of the young drivers and ambitious amateur drivers, however, Max Verstappen’s participation is a special occasion, and they are proud to be competing in the same race as the Dutchman. “For me, it’s a joy that defies description to be part of the world’s biggest GT championship. I’m absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to compete alongside drivers who have always been my role models in GT3 racing. And on top of that, there’s the incredible news that Max Verstappen will also be taking part in this race at Portimão. I couldn’t be happier,” said Brazilian Sebá Malucelli, who is making his series debut in a Porsche for razoon – more than racing.

ADAC GT Masters race winner Leo Pichler is also delighted about the Formula 1 star’s participation: “As an added bonus, it’s obviously incredibly cool to be on the starting grid in the same race as Max Verstappen.”