Max Verstappen's 'incredible' traffic technique stuns Nürburgring rivals

Max Verstappen's traffic management at the Nürburgring 24 Hours has been hailed as "incredible" by rival Christopher Haase, who says it takes years for drivers to master such technique. The four-time F1 champion's debut ended in a DNF due to a driveshaft failure while leading, but his impressive handling of the packed field left a lasting mark.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's rapid adaptation to GT3 racing at the Nordschleife demonstrates how F1 skills transfer to endurance events, where traffic management is critical. His presence boosts the profile of the Nürburgring 24 Hours, drawing attention to the intense competition in GT3 racing.

The details:

• Haase explained that Verstappen lifts off the throttle before corners to create a gap, allowing a better run on exit when passing slower cars. This requires precise reading of traffic and is a technique many drivers take years to perfect.
• Markus Winkelhock earlier noted Verstappen's ability to handle speed differences of up to 80 km/h and take the flow through traffic, calling his onboard footage "crazy."
• During the NLS2 race in March, Verstappen followed Haase closely in dirty air through sections where that is difficult, surprising the Audi driver.
• Verstappen's #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 led with less than four hours remaining before a driveshaft failure ended its race. He finished 38th alongside teammates Jules Gounon, Lucas Auer, and Daniel Juncadella.

Looking ahead:

Haase said Verstappen's commitment to the event is a boost for the sport and praised the depth of competition in GT3 racing. Verstappen has vowed to return to the Nürburgring in 2027, schedule permitting, suggesting his passion for the challenge will keep him coming back.