Max Verstappen says that racing on the Nordschleife in a GT3 car “does not hurt” when it comes to sharpening his skills, after his victory in the Nurburgring Langstrecken series.
The defending champion Formula 1 champion followed his victory in Baku with a racing weekend in the Nordschleife and won the endurance race in a Ferrari 296 GT3 that was managed by Emil Frey Racing and ran in a Verstappen.com Racing / Red Bull Lvery. Verstappen is not sure if there is a direct advantage for his F1 tasks, but sees no disadvantage of racing other machines.
“It was very nice,” said Verstappen. “We have been preparing for that for a while, and they were only two very nice days. Again, racing a little in the wet, in dry, just got more and more experience. And of course to win it, that’s extra bonus.
“Does it make me a better driver? I’ve been doing this on the simulator for so many years, so I am doing it now in real life is not very different. But it doesn’t hurt at all, I think I can say that.”
Verstappen will not re-compete with the Nordschleife this year, but says that he is interested in a return in 2026, with the 24-hour race also on his radar.
“It depends on many things, to be honest,” he said. “It depends in the first place on F1. Of course I suspect that with the rules next year it will of course be very complicated to start with – some strangers anyway – so it will probably be a bit hectic than the end of regulations where things are easier.
“Also the program of the GT3 team, which car we are going to race next year, things like that. Many things have to come together before I can really plan it well in advance for only my drivers in the team, plus myself.
“Certainly, we want to be back there. At the moment I just don’t know how many or how many races I can do next year. But if there is a chance and I feel good about it, plus what happens in F1, then certainly.
“F1 is of course still my main goal. Yes, they are many races, but it is also what I have registered for. For me it is not something I am sad about or are disappointed. I also know that it will not be forever, do this.
“It ensures that everything is run well with the GT3 team and that they are in use. For me it is fairly simple if I want to jump in and participate. I think we all know that 24 races is a lot. I think you are missing a number of other great races, but at the same time I am very young, so I can still catch up with that types of races.”
The exploits of Verstappen caught the attention of many of his colleagues in F1, where George Russell said that many were jealous of the freedom of the Dutchman to race elsewhere.
“I think it’s incredible, to be honest,” said Russell. “I think we are all quite jealous of it. Because having this freedom, to do what you love in Formula 1, but are also able to go outside and racing other things and just enjoying it on your spare time – I don’t think it’s not that easy for other people who do it.
“But you have that good if you win four world championships. And we are all fighting here to win our first. Maybe after four championships under our belts we can choose to do the same. But no, respect it a lot. And certainly, I would like to do it one day.”
Russell’s comments were reflected by Lando Norris, who says that the success of Verstappen in a GT3 car emphasizes his talent even further.
“It’s cool,” said Norris. “It’s nice that he can go and do what he wants. I think after you have won four world championships, you are more right to just choose what you want to do. Everyone knows how much Max likes to do all those things, and it’s nice that he does something else he enjoys.
“I don’t know how much it contributes to your quantity, but the fact that he can go in a series and probably the best can be, I think he shows how good he is. I have said it often. I think he is born and will be forever, one of the best ever, if not the best in Formula 1. So I think to have a chance to get a chance, is a chance.
“But it’s cool. I respect it. I think it’s great. If I could do it more, maybe I would do that. But I don’t know about my future yet. I still see a time that I just want to leave Formula 1 and do other things – go golf and have some pleasure elsewhere. But I respect a lot what Max does, as I have always said.
“I have not seen anything of it, but I love the Nordschleife, so that is probably another place where I would like to try at some point.”
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