Max Verstappen made his debut at the Nurburgring Nordschleife by finishing seventh in the Cup 3 class alongside his teammate Chris Lulham. The Dutch Red Bull F1 driver faced significant challenges during the race but managed to demonstrate strong performance despite a heavily detuned car and difficult race conditions.
During qualifying, Verstappen set a noteworthy lap time of 10:21.591, earning him sixth place in the Cup 3 class. It is important to note that he drove a car restricted to approximately 300bhp, much lower than the usual 425bhp, as he competed in the CUP 3(G) guest category. On race day, Verstappen initially lost considerable ground at the start but compensated quickly with impressive cornering speeds. He focused on maintaining a clean front end during his stint, aiming to meet the Deutscher Motor Sport Bund (DMSB) permit requirements.
Despite a slow pit stop, Verstappen completed the necessary laps to qualify for the permit. After the race, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion expressed his satisfaction on Instagram, captioning his post:
“Danke (thank you) Nordschleife!”
To qualify fully for the permit, Verstappen was required to drive two different cars during the event. However, damage to his #89 car in qualifying prevented him from meeting this specific criterion. Nevertheless, his seventh-place finish in class (27th overall) and fulfillment of other essential standards position him well to receive the Nurburgring Endurance Series (NLS) license. The DPN Committee is expected to review his performance and likely award the permit based on these accomplishments.
Simulator Experience’s Role in Verstappen’s Nurburgring Performance
The Nurburgring Nordschleife, famously known as the Green Hell, is one of the most challenging tracks globally. While Verstappen’s real-world experience at the circuit is just beginning, his involvement in sim racing has offered him valuable preparation. The Dutch driver has participated in virtual events, including the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, which contributed significantly to his understanding of the track.
Reflecting on how simulator training influenced his on-track performance after test runs earlier in the year, Verstappen shared with F1’s official website:
“I’ve never driven there in real life, not even with a road car. Of course, I did spend a lot of time on the simulator doing thousands of laps, so that helped… When I got out there a few barriers were different, maybe a few kerbs were a little bit different, but I know the track layout well. It’s just getting used to the grip level of the car, the conditions, the new tarmac in places.”
—Max Verstappen, Red Bull F1 Driver
“At the same time I was there with my sim driver that now turned into a real driver. Even for him also to get up to speed there, because eventually we all want to do that race as a team. It was a very good day, we got lucky with the weather as well – it was nice and sunny. It was fantastic!”
—Max Verstappen, Red Bull F1 Driver
This combination of simulator experience and real-life practice helped Verstappen adapt quickly to the demanding circuit conditions and new tarmac surfaces.
Upcoming Plans Following Nurburgring Experience
Max Verstappen is scheduled to compete in the Nurburgring Endurance Series on September 27 with Emil Frey Racing, piloting a Ferrari 296 GT3. This event fits into his calendar during the two-week break between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix. His continued efforts at the Nordschleife underline his ambition to expand his endurance racing credentials beyond Formula 1.
Verstappen’s debut at the Nurburgring is significant in several ways: it marks his first competitive appearance on one of the world’s toughest circuits, showcases the benefits of virtual training in modern motorsport, and sets a foundation for further participation in endurance racing. Earning the DMSB permit will enable him to compete more regularly in the NLS, potentially broadening his racing portfolio and exposing him to new challenges.
As the DPN Committee reviews his results, Verstappen’s performance at the Nurburgring demonstrates his adaptability and determination, qualities that have defined his success in Formula 1 and will likely support his ventures in endurance racing at this iconic venue.
