Jenson Button: Verstappen’s GT3 Races Won’t Ease F1 Frustration

Jenson Button doubts that Max Verstappen’s adventures in GT3 will ease ongoing F1 frustration. He made the comment ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix in an interview with Sky Sports F1. The former world champion was clear about his view.

New F1 regulations and Verstappen’s critique

The 2026 F1 season introduced a major rule change. The new cars run with an almost 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power.

Verstappen has been vocal about those changes. He once likened the cars to “Formula E on steroids” and said driving them demands heavy energy management.

Nürburgring endurance outing

Verstappen has been racing in GT3 endurance events when his schedule allows. Last weekend he contested the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS).

He teamed with Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon at the 58th ADAC Barbarossapreis. The race was the second round of the 2026 NLS season.

The crew initially crossed the line first. Officials later disqualified them for exceeding the tyre allowance.

Button on motorsport variety and purpose

Button praised the range of disciplines within motorsport. He contrasted racing’s variety with the limited formats in other sports.

He noted Verstappen enjoys trying many cars. The Dutch driver also sampled a super GT500 car in Fuji during heavy rain.

Button pointed out he himself drove GT500 machines in 2018 and 2019. He described those cars as hugely enjoyable to drive.

Will GT3 help in Formula 1?

Button believes GT3 races offer a release for Verstappen. But he added they probably won’t alter Verstappen’s opinion of F1 right now.

According to Button, what will shift Verstappen’s view is winning races in Formula 1 again. He said endurance outings still give Verstappen chances to win elsewhere.

Filmogaz.com will continue to track comments and developments around Verstappen, Jenson Button, and the 2026 regulations.