Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 champion, made an unforgettable debut in the Nurburgring Langstrecken Series on the Nordschleife this past Saturday. Teaming up with Chris Lulham, Verstappen secured a commanding victory, finishing over 20 seconds ahead of the competition. This performance has left motorsport enthusiasts and experts alike in awe, as the Dutch driver continues to expand his racing repertoire beyond F1.
The victory marks Verstappen’s first appearance in a GT3 car, a move he had been eyeing for some time. Under the alias ‘Franz Hermann’, he participated in a secret test at the Nurburgring, setting a new lap record and showcasing his adaptability to different racing formats. Verstappen recently obtained a permit to drive GT3 cars on the notoriously challenging ‘Green Hell’, further fueling his ambition to explore various motorsport categories.
Verstappen’s Unprecedented Performance
During the race, Verstappen exhibited an extraordinary level of skill, pulling a 20-second lead—a rare feat in the series. He drove the No.31 Ferrari 296 GT3 during the initial stints, with Lulham taking over to secure the win. His performance, particularly his ability to navigate through traffic on the Nordschleife’s complex layout, was described as ‘almost impossible to explain’ by Dutch pundit Jeroen Bleekemolen.
“Just that start alone… I knew beforehand that he’d be gone if he got off to a good start and was first onto the Nordschleife. And that’s exactly what he did. He also gained time in every sector. I didn’t see a single sector where he lost a single second. In that traffic, that’s truly amazing; it’s almost impossible to explain.” — Jeroen Bleekemolen, RacingNews365
Bleekemolen’s comments highlight the exceptional nature of Verstappen’s debut, as he immediately took the lead from third position at the first corner. His ability to maintain and extend his lead throughout the race underscores his prowess as a versatile racing driver.
Implications for Future Races
Red Bull’s chief advisor, Helmut Marko, confirmed that Verstappen is set to compete in the prestigious 24 Hours of the Nurburgring, typically held in June. His recent success in the NLS category has heightened anticipation for his performance in this endurance race. Bleekemolen speculated on the potential outcomes, noting that Verstappen’s pace could translate into a significant advantage over a 24-hour period.
“If he races the 24 Hours, that’ll be great. If he has a good lineup, do the math… He was a minute ahead after two hours of racing. Calculate that, and you’re a lap and a half ahead in a 24-hour race. That’s how good he was! I enjoyed it; it was a top race.” — Jeroen Bleekemolen
This development follows Verstappen’s continued interest in diversifying his racing experience. His sim racing activities have already demonstrated his adaptability, and his recent GT3 success further cements his status as a formidable competitor across multiple disciplines.
Comparisons and Expert Opinions
Verstappen’s performance has sparked discussions about the willingness of F1 teams to allow their drivers to participate in other racing categories. Red Bull appears supportive of Verstappen’s endeavors, contrasting with other teams like McLaren, which reportedly would not permit drivers such as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to take similar risks.
Karun Chandhok, a former F1 driver and current commentator, emphasized the cautious approach of some teams, particularly those with championship aspirations. “McLaren would never let Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri race GT3 as they would not want to ‘risk’ anything,” Chandhok remarked, highlighting the differing philosophies within the sport.
Looking Ahead
As Verstappen’s NLS victory reverberates through the motorsport community, attention now turns to his potential participation in the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring. If approved, Verstappen could join the ranks of legendary drivers like Niki Lauda, who have conquered the iconic circuit. The implications of his success extend beyond individual accolades, potentially influencing team strategies and driver opportunities in the future.
For Verstappen, the journey into GT3 racing represents not only a personal achievement but also a testament to his skill and adaptability. As he continues to push the boundaries of his career, the motorsport world watches with keen interest, eager to see what the Dutch prodigy will accomplish next.
