Max Verstappen is keeping himself busy ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, completing a Red Bull test in a Nissan GT500 at Fuji.
Fresh off the back of his NLS2 exploits at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the four-time F1 Champion jumped back into GT-spec machinery at the Fuji International Speedway on Wednesday.
The Dutchman landed in Japan ahead of the Grand Prix weekend at the Suzuka International Circuit, but took a Red Bull-liveried detour driving a Z GT500 during day two of the manufacturer’s test.
Verstappen’s driving duties, at a wet Fuji track, are understood to be part of a promotional shoot that the Milton-Keynes-based outfit had planned for the Japanese GP weekend.
The test was part of the Super GT series – a competition that Red Bull has participated in, in the past, sponsoring the Mugen-Honda outfit.
For Verstappen, the GT500 was the second Super GT he has tested, previously driving the NSX-GT during the Honda Thanks Day in 2022 at Motegi.
While this particular test might have been a partner obligation of sorts, the 28-year-old has made a concerted effort to take part in different driving disciplines other than F1.
Verstappen’s NLS2 stint, behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG, saw him win the event out right only to be disqualified later for a technical tyre infringement.
Before that, the Red Bull driver won the 2025 NLS9 race driving the Ferrari 296 GT3 alongside Verstappen Sim Racing team-mate Chris Lulham.
Looking ahead to the Japanese GP, this weekend, Verstappen sits eighth in the Drivers’ standings with Red Bull currently sixth in the Constructors’ championship.
Retiring from the Chinese GP, the four-time world champion will be aiming for better luck in Suzuka, a race he comfortably won in 2025.
READ MORE – F1 insider makes bold Max Verstappen Mercedes prediction
Discussion about this post