LANCE STROLL TO RACE IN GT: WILL THIS BECOME A TREND FOR F1 DRIVERS?
Lance Stroll is set to take part in a GT race, adding another interesting crossover between Formula 1 and GT racing. The Canadian driver will compete in the round of the GT World Challenge Europe at Circuit Paul Ricard in France.
Stroll will drive an Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO for Comtoyou Racing. He will share the car with Mari Boya, a Formula 2 driver and member of the Aston Martin Driver Academy, and former Formula 1 driver Roberto Merhi.
Stroll’s appearance in GT racing comes shortly after Max Verstappen took part in GT competition at the Nürburgring, showing that more Formula 1 drivers are willing to explore different categories outside of F1.
This raises an interesting question about the future. If the new Formula 1 regulations fail to excite drivers and fans, could more F1 drivers start racing in GT categories as well?
One reason often mentioned is the feeling of artificial overtakes. In the current era, passing can sometimes happen because of large differences in battery energy between cars. When one driver has much more electrical energy available than another, the speed difference on the straight can become very large, making overtakes look less like pure racing battles and more like energy advantages.
Another issue is battery management even during qualifying. Instead of pushing flat out every lap, drivers sometimes need to manage the hybrid system and energy deployment.
There is also criticism about this lack of a constant “push” feeling during qualifying. Drivers cannot always attack the lap without thinking about energy use and system management. Charles Leclerc has openly said that he cannot stand this aspect of the modern cars, because qualifying used to be about pushing flat out with no limitations.
Braking zones are now usually less heavy because of the way energy recovery and clipping affect speed at the end of the straight and corner entry. When power delivery changes due to energy management, the approach to corners can feel slower or less aggressive.
Whether these factors will push more drivers to explore GT racing remains to be seen, but recent appearances from Formula 1 drivers in GT events suggest that interest in these categories is clearly growing.
Max Verstappen has reportedly been seriously considering retiring earlier than expected because of the current regulations. The 4-time world champion has openly expressed doubts about the direction Formula 1 is taking, stating that it is pure nonsense to race in this situation.
The Golden Era of Endurance also helps
We are currently living in what many consider the golden era of endurance racing. Major manufacturers are investing heavily in both the WEC and IMSA, not only in the Hypercar class but also in LMGT3 programs. This level of commitment has brought unseen competition and innovation to sportscar racing.
Endurance racing has also long been an exit route for talented drivers who were unable to secure a seat in Formula 1. Many drivers have built successful careers in sportscars, proving themselves in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans or Daytona. Both events have managed to field 60 cars or more in 2025 and 2026 respectively.
Endurance racing carries a rich history that continues to attract both drivers and fans worldwide.
With the new Formula 1 regulations receiving criticism from many, more drivers are seriously considering a shift to sportscar racing:
Kimi Antonelli has also stated that he wants to try and test a GT3 car, especially at the Nürburgring, following the path of Max Verstappen. There is a clear growing interest among Formula 1 drivers to explore GT and endurance racing as a serious option, rather than just a one-off experience.
In conclusion, F1 drivers are growing their interest for the sportscar racing, it’s clear that it is becoming an attractive alternative, and we may see an increasing number of drivers seeking a seat in endurance racing.
Share this content:
