Max Verstappen’s driving instructor at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, Andreas Gülden, described his time with the Formula 1 champion during a recent session at the famous circuit. Gülden expressed his excitement about riding alongside Verstappen, highlighting the enjoyable atmosphere they shared during their laps.
Before Verstappen’s test, Gülden led him on a mandatory reconnaissance lap, setting the stage for their time together on track. The instructor recalled how the experience included both serious driving and lighthearted moments, as they communicated and joked throughout the run.
Reflecting on the event, Gülden said,
“It was fantastic to ride a few laps in front of the world champion. Fortunately, I had a lot more power; otherwise, it might not have worked… We had contact via the radio, and I gave him some tips, but in the end, we were also fooling around a bit. He was riding on slicks, I was on regular street tires, and I was really pushing. He thought that was funny, and I think he appreciated it too.”
Verstappen’s Participation in the ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie
Max Verstappen took part in the ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS7) with the goal of securing an A license in the GT3 category. As part of the licensing requirements, he drove several laps in a GT4 Porsche Cayman, a less powerful vehicle, to qualify for the DMSB Permit Nordschleife.
This licensing process involved completing a mandatory number of laps without incident, reinforcing Verstappen’s adaptability at the demanding Nurburgring circuit. His performance garnered attention as he balanced the challenges of different cars and conditions throughout the event.
Verstappen’s Reaction After Obtaining the GT3 License
Following the successful acquisition of his GT3 license at the Nurburgring, Max Verstappen shared his thoughts on the achievement. Coming off his 2025 Italian Grand Prix victory at Monza, the Red Bull Racing driver reflected on the unique challenges presented by the Nurburgring and the valuable experience he gained.
Speaking to the media through Verstappen.com, Verstappen expressed satisfaction over how smoothly the event went, emphasizing the varied race conditions he faced. He also pointed out the importance of the time spent driving alongside traffic and adapting to unpredictable weather changes.
Verstappen stated,
“I’m happy it all went smoothly, and I got my DMSB Permit Nordschleife. I really enjoyed myself, but that’s always the case around here,”
and added,
“It was good to drive stints in the race with traffic, both with faster and slower cars.
There was also a ‘code 60’ race neutralisation, double waved yellows and a standard yellow flag. I drove in the wet, the dry and in mixed conditions. I’ve gained experience in where the grip is and isn’t, and completed a start procedure. It was really good to gain more experience on this circuit.”
Verstappen’s Performance and Future Plans at the Nurburgring
Max Verstappen, whose debut at the Nurburgring had generated significant excitement within motorsport circles, was among the fastest drivers in his GT4 group. The licensing requirements included at least 14 completed laps in two different cars without any incidents, which Verstappen achieved successfully.
With the GT3 A license now earned, Verstappen is anticipated to return to the Nurburgring to compete again, this time driving a Ferrari 296 GT3. This next step marks a significant progression in his racing career outside Formula 1 and showcases his commitment to mastering one of the world’s most challenging circuits.
