Between the Grands Prix of Azerbaijan and Singapore, Max Verstappen seized the opportunity to participate in a GT3 race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. After securing the necessary licenses, he won his debut race in the German NLS class on Saturday. Red Bull’s top advisor, Helmut Marko, respects Max’s passion for racing and emphasizes that Verstappen’s colleagues have very different interests.
Over the past weekend, Verstappen drove to a dominant victory on the Nordschleife. In his Ferrari 296 GT3, which he shared with British driver Chris Lulham, he claimed the four-hour race. After qualifying third, Verstappen immediately took the lead at the start. This underscores the exceptional skills of the Dutchman. Just two weeks earlier, he had to obtain his license to race on the Green Hell at all.
Verstappen’s foray into the NLS raised some questions about safety. A race, especially on the notorious Nordschleife, is never without risks. Why did Red Bull give their driver the green light when he could have seriously injured himself? Helmut Marko explained in the run-up to his GT3 debut that he respects Verstappen’s ‘great passion’. “I think it’s fantastic that a Formula 1 driver, who has so many obligations besides racing, still takes the time with such enthusiasm for something like this,” Marko told RTL Germany.”The Nordschleife is, of course, fascinating for every driver,” he added. It’s not often anymore that Formula 1 drivers also compete in other racing classes – something that used to be the most normal thing in the world. According to Marko, Max Verstappen‘s Formula 1 colleagues have very different hobbies these days. “Yes, it was impressive,” said the Austrian on Viaplay, when Max had just obtained his licenses. “Especially the commitment he shows. You know, others go to a fashion show or something,” Marko emphasized. “And he goes to the Nordschleife – one of the toughest circuits there is. I think it shows how much Max is involved in motorsport.”
