Verstappen's teammate dreams of Nurburgring crown: 'Everything has to go our way'

It’s a busy year for Juncadella. Not only is he racing for Verstappen Racing in NLS and the 24h Nurburgring; he’s also competing in the GT World Challenge Europe series for this team. Still, his main focus is the World Endurance Championship (WEC), where he drives a hypercar for the new Genesis team.

“A podium here would be incredible because this the first year of the Genesis and with my teammates, the whole team, and I would love that. But I don't set myself that goal. I think just being better every day and trying to develop the car and put myself into the championship further every day. That's my goal for the season," the Spaniard tells GPblog in an exclusive interview.

Genesis is a new team that ultimately wants to break through to the top—exactly what Verstappen envisions with his own racing team. “y dream would be to be on the podium one day in WEC, it would be amazing. And the same way that my dream is to win on the Nurburgring, but this has been my dream already for like more than six, seven years. I've raced so many times. I've only been third two times. So, yes, that would be a dream come true to win the Nurburgring."

With Jules Gounon, Lucas Auer, and of course Verstappen, Juncadella wants to make that happen. “I think this year, with all things considered, I think we're going to have a chance. I need to embrace it but don't forget, it's a race that you need a lot of luck, you need everything to go your way because it's a chaotic race," the Spaniard warns.

On top of racing in three different classes, Juncadella has another job. He is one of Aston Martin’s simulator drivers in Formula 1. Due to his busy schedule, that has taken a back seat. “My priority is the Hypercar, then the GT programs. Competing is the main priority for me.