Max Verstappen says GT3 driving ‘feels 2,000 times better’ than F1 amid Canadian Grand Prix woes

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Max Verstappen and Red Bull are enduring a morale-sapping weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix, one week on from the Dutchman’s spectacular performance at the Nurburgring 24 Hours.

Verstappen was on course for a remarkable debut victory in the iconic GT3 race before a car problem in the final four hours denied him. His experience has only strengthened his desire to keep racing outside of F1.

By contrast, the four-time world champion has found little enjoyment in Montreal. He finished a lonely seventh in Saturday’s Sprint, 16 seconds down on George Russell after just 23 laps, and then qualified sixth for the main Grand Prix.

Does Max Verstappen need to make up his mind?

He has once again threatened to quit F1 if the rules aren't changed for 2027

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Max Verstappen: I need a ‘new back’ to keep driving this Red Bull

At the end of Q3, Verstappen told his team ‘you need to check’ the car because ‘there’s something really wrong’. He’d described it as ‘impossible’ to drive earlier in the session.

He has also reported familiar ride problems this weekend on the notoriously bumpy Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

With Monaco up next, Verstappen joked to his fellow countrymen that he’s going to need a ‘new back’ to cope with the bumps.

Verstappen said, via De Telegraaf: “I think I’d better order a new back… The car just isn’t optimal, in terms of how we set it up for bumps and the amount of downforce. It only went better in Miami, but it isn’t that bumpy there.

Referencing his GT3 experience last weekend, he added: “But that feels 2,000 times better than this. It’s hard for me to explain. I would love to invite you to drive in the first or second practice session, so I don’t have to get out on track quite as often.”

Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 again at Canadian Grand Prix

Based on his comments at the start of the weekend, Verstappen planned to stay in F1 for 2027, having previously threatened to retire over his dissatisfaction with the new regulations.

But speaking after qualifying (via The Race), Verstappen made clear that his commitment hinged on changes to the rules.

“It’s just mentally not doable for me to stay like this,” he said. “Absolutely not.”

After the Miami GP, the FIA announced plans to adjust the power split between the internal combustion engine and the battery for 2027 (from around 55/45 to 60/40).

But as it stands, Ferrari and Audi oppose the proposals, which has created uncertainty in the paddock about whether they’ll actually go through.

If not, Verstappen says he will quit the sport for good, ruling out a sabbatical.