Nicki Thiim's playful dig at F1: "Max Verstappen is simply eager to pilot a real racing machine!"

Aston Martin veteran Nicki Thiim took the opportunity of Max Verstappen’s guest appearance at the GT World Challenge Europe season finale in Portimao to make a light-hearted dig at Formula 1.

The challenges faced by F1 regarding its 2026 power unit regulations, which require a 50:50 power distribution between the internal combustion engine and electric power, have been widely reported, with alterations already in the works for 2027 and beyond.

In the meantime, however, F1 must endure the playful jabs directed at the cars, with Verstappen himself being one of the most outspoken critics.

Thiim, who secured ninth place in the #7 Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT3 that he shares with Mattia Drudi and Ross Gunn, cleverly intertwined his F1 critique with high praise for the four-time world champion.

"It's obviously fantastic that he's here. I admire his racing mentality - he just wants to get out there and compete, whatever it takes, wherever he can," the Dane remarked.

"He probably prefers to drive a real race car, not those electric machines he's been running around with!"

"It's wonderful to have him here for the final round, and it's definitely beneficial for all of us. I anticipate that many young fans will be very interested and follow it closely.

"What a venue to conclude the season, and we also have a position to contest for second place in the championship ourselves, so a crucial race is ahead."