Verstappen grows more pessimistic: 'Have you seen the straight there?'

The four-time world champion echoed Charles Leclerc’s comments over team radio, saying that “in the midfield there were definitely Mario Kart-like things happening.”

More broadly, Verstappen has been one of the most vocal critics of the new regulations, with the Melbourne weekend clearly exposing the issue of super clipping, which forced drivers to lift noticeably in several sections of the track, particularly between Turns 8 and 9.

Asked by Viaplay whether he expects the situation to be any better in China next weekend, the Dutchman responded bluntly: “Have you seen the straight there?”, leaving little doubt about his pessimism.

Speaking to GPblog, the GT racing driver explained that rumours about Verstappen’s participation had already been circulating for some time, also recalling how the Red Bull driver took part in an NLS round last year with a Ferrari.

Catsburg added that he had been in contact with Verstappen at the time, as he himself had also driven the same Ferrari on the Nordschleife. He described the news as incredibly exciting - both for Verstappen and for the wider endurance racing community - also pointing out how remarkable it is that Verstappen’s team has allowed him to compete alongside his Formula 1 commitments.

The Amersfoort-born driver joked that for “mere mortals” like himself it makes the event even more special, before adding that the Nürburgring 24 Hours is already one of his favourite races of the year and that Verstappen’s presence will only make it even more enjoyable.