Thierry Vermeulen, closely connected to Max Verstappen through family and racing ties, has addressed rumors about the reigning Formula 1 champion possibly transitioning to the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) series. As the son of Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, Thierry offers an informed perspective on the Dutch driver’s racing priorities. Despite Verstappen’s occasional participation in GT racing throughout the 2025 F1 season, including recent drives in a GT3 car, Thierry expressed doubts about a full switch to DTM happening anytime soon.
Currently racing in DTM for Emil Frey Racing, the 22-year-old Vermeulen was asked about Verstappen’s chances of entering the GT series regularly. According to Thierry, Verstappen is not yet focused on championships or new race calendars, although he enjoys endurance racing alongside his Formula 1 career.
He is not yet at the stage where he is looking closely at championships or races. And I think he also enjoys the endurance races.
—Thierry Vermeulen, Racing Driver and Verstappen Insider
Thierry further emphasized Verstappen’s current commitment to Formula 1, while acknowledging the young star’s openness to future possibilities.
but who knows? He’s still very young.
—Thierry Vermeulen, Racing Driver and Verstappen Insider
Verstappen’s Continued Commitment to Formula 1
Max Verstappen has recently demonstrated his passion for diverse racing formats, including driving under the pseudonym Franz Hermann on the challenging Nordschleife track with notable success. Despite exploring opportunities beyond F1, he maintains his responsibilities and focus on competing for Red Bull in the Formula 1 World Championship. Christian Horner, team principal at Red Bull, has affirmed that Verstappen’s private racing activities are acceptable as long as they do not interfere with his Formula 1 obligations, particularly grand prix weekends.
With Verstappen eyeing a likely fifth straight drivers’ title, his attention appears firmly fixed on the top tier of motorsport. Though his future plans remain uncertain at times during the current season, there are no clear signs that he will leave F1 imminently.
The Broader Context of Verstappen’s Racing Career
Throughout the 2025 Formula 1 season, Verstappen has balanced his dominant performance on the F1 grid with selective appearances in endurance and GT racing events. His involvement with Verstappen.com Racing Team helps nurture his own coaching ambitions and fosters relationships with young talents like Thierry Vermeulen. The Dutch champion’s occasional GT outings, including skipping high-profile appearances such as the F1 Movie premiere in New York, reflect his broad interest in motorsport beyond Formula 1, though not at the expense of his main career.
As speculation surrounds Verstappen’s long-term trajectory, the possibility of moving to other racing disciplines such as DTM remains open but remote. The intense competition and his current success in F1 continue to anchor his ambitions strongly in the sport’s highest echelon.