Fernando Alonso is a strong advocate for Max Verstappen‘s forays into GT racing at the Nürburgring. The Dutchman is making his debut in the GT3 at the Nordschleife this weekend, and qualified third for his very first GT3 race on the German track. According to Alonso, it’s ‘very enjoyable’ for a driver to try out different racing classes. ‘It’s fun to start from scratch again,’ the Spaniard explains.
Two weeks after obtaining his Nürburgring license, Max Verstappen is already at the start of his first endurance race in a GT3 car on the notorious ‘Green Hell’ this weekend. Fernando Alonso has also ventured into endurance racing, and this paid off in 2018 and 2019 with victories in the most famous race in the class: The 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In Baku, Alonso was asked about Verstappen’s decision to race outside of Formula 1. “That’s more a question for him, but it’s very enjoyable that he’s trying out other racing classes,” says the two-time world champion. “You then go into unknown territory, and there are drivers there with much more experience than you. They know the different racing lines in wet conditions, on the interns and in dry conditions. They know all the strategies and procedures. There’s so much involved in such a new adventure. It’s fun to start from scratch again.”
Le Mans
Alonso understands why Verstappen is also participating in the GT class. “I think you want to win the best races and the most prestigious races in the world. Maybe for him next year that’s the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. I think he should also do Le Mans, Sebring or whatever else he has in mind, and the same goes for all the best races in the world.”
