Formula 1 drivers sometimes have a diverse path before reaching Grand Prix racing, but once they get there, F1 tends to become their sole focus.
However, Max Verstappen – who has already dabbled in GT3 competition – will buck the regular trend again in 2026 by contesting the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May, between Grands Prix in Miami and Canada.
Lots of drivers in F1’s history have raced in other categories, but we decided to take a look at what other motorsport activities the current crop have tried their hand at…
Fernando Alonso – IndyCar, WEC
Undoubtedly the most prolific driver on the grid – and perhaps in modern motorsport – Fernando Alonso’s frustrations with a struggling McLaren team in 2017 prompted him to seek further enjoyment in other categories.
The Spaniard most notably missed that year’s Monaco Grand Prix to contest the Indianapolis 500, and was comfortably the star attraction, making the Fast Nine before qualifying fifth.
Alonso had several stints leading the race before ultimately drifting away from contention until suffering – somewhat ironically given his Formula 1 travails at the time – an engine failure.
Alonso went on to contest the World Endurance Championship’s 2018/19 ‘Super Season’ for Toyota, with the first half of that campaign overlapping with his final year at McLaren.
While Formula 1 results were few and far between, Alonso won the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2018, and eventually went on to win the title alongside Kazuki Nakajima and Sebastien Buemi.
Further tilts at the Indy 500 followed in 2019 and 2020, during his two-year hiatus from Formula 1, as well victory in the Daytona 24 Hours and a crack at the Dakar Rally. Alonso ultimately did return to Formula 1, with Alpine in 2021.
Nico Hulkenberg – Le Mans
By 2015 Nico Hulkenberg had firmly established himself as one of Formula 1’s standout drivers in the midfield, following stellar displays with Williams, Sauber, and Force India.
Porsche expanded their roster for the 24 Hours of Le Mans to three cars, and enlisted the services of Hulkenberg, who was given the freedom by Force India to contest both that event and the preceding 6 Hours of Spa Francorchamps.
The No. 19 Porsche – the third entry co-piloted by Hulkenberg – was the slowest of the three cars in qualifying, but overhauled the sister No. 17, and was aided by problems for the No. 18. Hulkenberg escaped a clash with a backmarker, which could have derailed his assault on top honours, while the challenge from rival teams wilted.
Hulkenberg, along with Nick Tandy and Earl Bamber, completed 395 laps to beat the No. 17 by a lap, giving Porsche their first victory in the famous old race since 1998.
Lance Stroll – Daytona 24 Hours
Lance Stroll made his debut at the Daytona 24 Hours in 2016, prior to his title-winning Formula 3 campaign, and two years later returned off the back of his rookie Formula 1 season.
The Canadian revealed his tilt at Daytona was largely an off-season fun activity, as he teamed up in the Jackie Chan DCR JOTA machine with Dani Juncadella, Felix Rosenqvist and Robin Frijns.
On-track rivals in the event included his future Aston Martin team mate Fernando Alonso and a young Lando Norris – still a year away from making his debut in Formula 1.
The package was strong and Stroll’s car qualified sixth, but in the race a spate of issues meant the quartet were never in contention, and finished outside of the top 10. Stroll has not yet returned to the fabled Floridian venue.
Valtteri Bottas – Arctic Rally
Valtteri Bottas dabbled in rallying during the final years of his Mercedes stint, the Finn participating in three successive editions of the Arctic Lapland Rally in his native Finland.
Bottas scooped a trio of top-10 finishes, including fifth overall and a stage win on debut, while at former French Grand Prix venue Paul Ricard Bottas had his standout result. Driving a Citroen DS3 WRC at the facility – with the stages made up of parts of the circuit and its surrounding access roads and paths – Bottas won five of the nine stages and won by 50 seconds.
The Finn has more recently switched to pedal power for his pursuits away from Formula 1, contesting gravel-based cycling events, including the UCI Gravel World Championship in 2024. All fuelled by coffee, no doubt.
Alex Albon – DTM
We’re adding this one to the list despite slightly tenuous qualifications, considering that Alex Albon’s DTM campaign came when he wasn’t technically an active F1 driver.
Albon relinquished his Red Bull Racing seat after his sophomore F1 season, but remained affiliated to the team as their test and reserve driver.
He was kept race fit by being placed in the DTM Series with AF Corse, driving a Ferrari 488 alongside junior Liam Lawson, who was still a couple of years away from his own F1 debut.
Albon contested all but the final round and picked up a victory at the Nurburgring to finish sixth overall in the standings, before he ultimately sealed the F1 return he craved for 2022, with Williams.
Max Verstappen – GT3
Max Verstappen may be preparing for the Nurburgring 24 Hours this year but he already appears on the list courtesy of his exploits at the sprawling German venue in 2025.
The Dutchman has long had an affinity with GT3 racing, regularly appearing behind the wheel during private test days – and he runs his own team.
He tested at the Nurburgring last year under the pseudonym Franz Hermann, though the cloak of anonymity did not last long.
Verstappen entered the seventh round of the Nurburgring Langstrecken Series in order to secure the required permit, and then contested the ninth round alongside Chris Lulham in the No. 31 Ferrari 296 GT3 with Emil Frey Racing. The four-time F1 champ cantered off into the distance, opening a sizeable advantage, which Lulham converted to bring home victory.
.webp?ssl=1 "What’s happening so far in 2026 – and who holds the key?")
