Between the Grands Prix of Azerbaijan and Singapore, Max Verstappen was once again found at the Nordschleife Nürburgring. After obtaining his racing license for the ‘Green Hell’, the Dutchman was allowed to participate in a GT3 race on the famous track for the first time. Verstappen won his debut race immediately, and his Formula 1 colleagues also witnessed it. For George Russell, the Dutchman’s adventure was even secretly enviable: ‘But after four world titles, he has the right to do that’.
For the second time in two weeks, Max Verstappen made a detour to the Nordschleife Nürburgring. His first race on the notorious German circuit was still about obtaining all licenses for the ‘Green Hell’, his second adventure on Nordschleife ended with a victory for Verstappen and teammate Chris Lulham. Verstappen’s colleagues in Formula 1 also saw how the Dutchman triumphed in Germany, and they are impressed.
“It’s so cool that he’s doing this,” begins Lando Norris‘s praise for the world champion in Singapore. “But after winning four world titles, he of course also has the right to do that. I don’t know how much it contributes to his greatness as a driver. But the fact that he can go to another racing class and win immediately, that shows that he is one of the greats in Formula 1 as well. I’ve said it before, but I have a lot of respect for Max.”
Esteban Ocon agrees with the McLaren driver. “I also watched part of his race, but not all of it. It was a very long race,” explains the Frenchman. The Nordschleife is not an unfamiliar track for the driver. “I tested on the Nordschleife just last year, so seeing Max win there was fantastic. It shows how good he is. Especially considering how packed our schedule is with all the Formula 1 commitments. He does, of course, already have four world titles to his name. If I were him, I would do it too.”
Secretly Jealous
George Russell shares Ocon’s sentiment, even admitting to a touch of jealousy towards Verstappen. “It’s secretly quite enviable that he has the freedom to race in other classes alongside Formula 1,” says the Mercedes driver. “We don’t really have that right yet, but he certainly does after four world titles. I have a lot of respect for it, and would like to do it myself someday.”
