Bortoleto hardly missed any of Verstappen’s Nordschleife race: "I dedicated my weekend to it"

Before that happens, he still wants to focus on Formula 1 for a while. The Brazilian is not the only one who has expressed an interest in endurance racing; Kimi Antonelli—who already has experience in the Mercedes-AMG GT3—would also love to ride along with Verstappen one day. Both youngsters enjoyed last weekend’s 24 Hours of the Nürburgring. "I watched most of the race," Bortoleto tells GPblog.

It’s no secret that Verstappen and Bortoleto get along well. Especially in his rookie year, he could often ask Verstappen for advice. The Dutchman might also help him with his endurance debut. "Maybe in the future," Bortoleto smiles. "Right now my focus is fully on Formula 1, but in many years I would definitely love to race there," said the Audi driver. Teammate Nico Hülkenberg has already competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Mentor Fernando Alonso has also achieved endurance success at Le Mans and in Daytona. Verstappen has made no secret of his interest in Le Mans. Ford is hopeful that the Hypercar project, which will start next year in the World Endurance Championship, will interest Verstappen. The American manufacturer also hopes to persuade Verstappen to choose the Mustang GT3 Evo for the Nordschleife.

Bortoleto has a busy weekend ahead, as he has to race in Canada himself and hopes to cheer on his friends in IndyCar in the evening. On Sunday, May 24, the 110th running of the Indy 500 will be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "I hope Caio [Collet] and Hélio [Castroneves] do amazing jobs. Hélio is chasing his fifth title," Bortoleto says.