F1 Drivers Applaud Verstappen's GT3 Nordschleife Endeavor

Max Verstappen's recent foray into GT3 racing, particularly at the challenging Nordschleife, has garnered widespread approval from his Formula 1 peers. Drivers like Liam Lawson and Kimi Antonelli commend the reigning F1 champion's commitment to diverse racing disciplines, viewing it as valuable for skill development and a testament to his pure love for racing.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's engagement in GT3, even amidst his dominant F1 career, highlights a rare dedication to the broader motorsport spectrum. It not only showcases his versatility but also reinforces the idea that cross-discipline racing can be beneficial for F1 drivers, honing adaptability and race craft in different machinery.

The Details:

• Lawson's Perspective: Liam Lawson, who has raced the Nordschleife GP circuit in DTM, praised Verstappen's "pretty cool" commitment. He recounted a fun experience racing rental cars on the Nordschleife with Alex Albon, emphasizing the track's unique and original nature.
• Verstappen's Passion: Lawson underscored Verstappen's undeniable love for racing, noting his frequent sim racing and willingness to test and drive other cars during breaks. He drew parallels with his own DTM experience, highlighting the close and exciting racing in GT-style cars.
• Antonelli's Training View: Kimi Antonelli, who frequently drives GT cars due to his father's racing team, sees GT racing as excellent training for F1. He believes it helps drivers adapt to different car behaviors and develop various skills, despite the significant differences from an F1 car.
• Verstappen's GT3 Debut: Verstappen recently made his maiden GT3 victory, having obtained the A license required for the 296 GT3 with Emily Frey Racing. This is a significant step towards his participation in next year's 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
  • He qualified third for his first GT3 race, narrowly missing pole due to traffic.
  • In the race, he quickly took the lead at Turn 1 and finished his two-hour stint with a commanding minute-plus advantage.

What's Next:

Verstappen's continued involvement in GT3, culminating in his aim for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, signals a broader trend of F1 drivers exploring other racing avenues. This could inspire other drivers to diversify their racing portfolios, enriching their skills and adding excitement to the motorsport world. His success in GT3 also solidifies his reputation as a formidable talent across various racing categories, not just in open-wheelers.