Verstappen earns praise from Williams driver Martins: 'Great to see in an F1 driver'

In 2026, Martins is combining multiple programs in motorsport. In addition to his role within the Williams Driver Academy, the Frenchman is racing this season for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship, where he is active with the brand’s Hypercar. At the same time, during the Canadian Grand Prix he served as reserve driver at Williams while Luke Browning had commitments in Japan. Martins will also fill that role during the next two F1 weekends in Monaco and Barcelona.

In Montreal, Martins also talks about Verstappen and his foray into endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring. According to the Frenchman, Verstappen shows how broad motorsport can really be. "I think you see the passion he has for motorsport," he says about Verstappen. "He just wants to be everywhere. A bit like I’ve said before: he wants to race in all categories, with all kinds of different cars."

The Frenchman partly recognises that same passion within himself. This season, Martins is not only performing different roles for Williams, but he is also working on his first full season in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). According to him, it ultimately comes down to the joy of driving itself, something Verstappen is currently experiencing prominently in GT3 racing.

Martins continues, demonstrating a similar attitude to racing as four-time world champion Verstappen. "When I take it on myself, everywhere I go, every different car I drive: I just enjoy it and have a big smile."

For that reason, he is also open to other major endurance races in the future. "So whatever I can drive, I will go for it. If I get the chance to do the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring or the 24 Hours of Daytona, for example, I would definitely do it." That indeed echoes comments Verstappen has made: if the calendar allowed it, he would already have taken part in multiple endurance races.

According to Martins, Verstappen’s Nürburgring appearance also showed something important to the rest of the paddock. "I really like to see a F1 driver open doors and show that you can perform in another car," he says. "You can have many goals and dreams in motorsport and you don't only close to F1, you open a bit the world of motorsport."

In doing so, Verstappen also helps the new generation of drivers, Martins believes. "I think that’s good for young drivers, for rookies, for everyone, and for the sport in general," he concluded.