Max Verstappen has called his initial experience driving on the Nurburgring Nordschleife “fantastic,” as the four-time Formula 1 World Champion validated speculations that he set a new GT3 lap record during last week’s sessions.
Verstappen participated in a designated Nurburgring Endurance Series test driving Emil Frey Racing’s Ferrari 296 GT3 vehicle under the alias ‘Franz Hermann’ to stay unnoticed.
The Dutchman attended to back his protégé, 22-year-old driver Thierry Vermeulen, as rumors spread that Verstappen had shattered the circuit’s 7m 49.578s GT3 lap record, established by Norwegian Christian Krognes.
“It was, yes,” Verstappen affirmed when questioned if his lap surpassed that record prior to the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix this weekend. “However, for me, my intention isn’t to demonstrate that I can set a lap record or any kind of record; I was simply enjoying myself and familiarizing myself with the track.”
The Nordschleife, often referred to as the ‘Green Hell’, held Formula 1 races during the 1950s and 1960s, with the final race occurring in 1976 after Niki Lauda’s horrific accident, which almost took the life of the three-time World Champion, before a shorter course was built and utilized for the first time in 1984.
Although Verstappen, currently in third place in this year’s F1 Drivers’ standings after six races, had never raced on the infamous 14-mile track, he was familiar with the location, having experienced it several times through his sim racing passion.
“I’ve never been there by car in real life, not even in a sedan,” he stated. “Naturally, I invested a considerable amount of time on the simulator completing thousands of laps, which contributed to my progress.”
When I arrived, some barriers were altered, and a few kerbs seemed slightly different, but I am familiar with the track layout. It’s merely acclimating to the car’s grip, the conditions, and the fresh tarmac in certain areas.
“Simultaneously, I was present with my simulation driver who had now become an actual driver.” Even for him to catch up there, since ultimately we all aim to participate in that race together. It was an excellent day; we were fortunate with the weather too – it was pleasant and sunny. “It was amazing!”
Although he stopped short of promising future racing at the track, Verstappen would still need to obtain a DMSB (Deutscher Motor Sport Bund) Permit, which necessitates competing in multiple categories to attain the GT3 level or receiving special permission.