Formula 12 min readMar 26, 2026

Verstappen Stuns: F1 Champ Warms Up in Fuji with a Nissan GT500 Test

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Max Verstappen took an unexpected test at Fuji Speedway to try out a Nissan Z GT500 before the Japanese Grand Prix.

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#Max Verstappen#F1#Super GT#Nissan#Fuji Speedway#Red Bull
Verstappen Stuns: F1 Champ Warms Up in Fuji with a Nissan GT500 Test
Before heading to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen made a stop at Fuji Speedway to test a Nissan Z GT500. The Red Bull driver, known for his prowess in Formula 1, showcased his versatility behind the wheel of a Super GT car. This test was part of a Red Bull promotional shoot, allowing Verstappen to familiarize himself with the vehicle and the Japanese track.

Verstappen tackled a wet track with enthusiasm, getting to grips with the GT500 and its two-liter inline-four engine. This was only his second outing in a modern Super GT car, having previously driven a Honda NSX-GT in 2022. The session allowed Verstappen to explore new facets of his motorsport talent.
During the Fuji test, Verstappen cut laps on a track with only a handful of cars, including a Red Bull-liveried Honda NSX GT3. This event underscores Verstappen's growing diversification outside of F1. The Dutch driver has shown interest in different categories and types of vehicles.

This isn't the first time Verstappen has ventured into other competitions; he participated in an NLS round at Nürburgring the previous Saturday with a Mercedes-AMG GT3. Along with teammates Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella, Verstappen initially claimed victory, though a post-race tire penalty excluded the crew from the race results.
In Japan, Max Verstappen is looking to reset after a grueling start to the F1 season with Red Bull. The driver arrives in Suzuka with the intention of leaving behind the recent challenges and focusing on what promises to be a critical weekend for his championship campaign. The test at Fuji was an opportunity to relax and enjoy driving outside the pressure of F1.

Despite the pressure of competition, Verstappen demonstrated his passion for motorsport and his ability to adapt to different types of vehicles. Participating in Super GT and other series is a display of his versatility and his desire to explore new experiences in the world of motorsports.