Lance Stroll and Max Verstappen have more in common than many think

After a teaser on Instagram in which Lance Stroll was racing at the Nurburgring, it became clear last week that something was in the works. A day later, the team confirmed what's happening to GPblog.

"Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team can confirm that Lance Stroll will be taking part in the opening round of the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, taking place at Circuit Paul Ricard. Lance has always enjoyed pure racing in all its forms and was excited by the opportunity to compete in another ultra-competitive series during the Formula One calendar break," the F1 team reported.

Lance Stroll is sometimes perceived as a hard-to-approach, moody guy who might be in Formula 1 reluctantly. The fact that the Canadian has been in the midfield for years (or currently the back of the grid) due to insufficient machinery likely plays a role in how he sometimes comes across in the media.

However, his choice to take part in the GT World Challenge championship makes it clear that Stroll is truly a devotee. While other drivers prefer to spend the F1-free month of April on the padel court or golf course, Stroll wants to do what he loves most.

Those who speak with his inner circle hear that Stroll is actually much like Max Verstappen: someone who wants to go fast in anything with four wheels, as often as possible. In a busy F1 season there’s usually little time for that; the cancellation of the races in the Middle East provides an opportunity. The fact that Stroll can drive an Aston Martin GT3 car makes it even easier.

Whether this is a one-off foray or Stroll will compete more often in other categories remains to be seen. For now, as far as is known, there are no further plans. Aston Martin’s involvement in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) offers opportunities for the near future.

In any case, Stroll will be in the spotlight next week in France. There’s a good chance we’ll see a totally different Lance Stroll than the driver he sometimes appears to be in the F1 paddock.