Lap Record King Timo Bernhard Praises Verstappen's Nürburgring Debut

Max Verstappen's recent GT3 race debut at the Nordschleife has drawn high praise from none other than Timo Bernhard, the Nürburgring lap record holder. Bernhard lauded the F1 champion's approach and talent, highlighting his appreciation for top-tier drivers branching out into other motorsport disciplines.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's decision to race a GT3 car at the legendary Nordschleife signals a broader trend of F1 stars exploring other forms of motorsport, bringing immense attention and prestige to endurance racing. For a driver of Verstappen's caliber to compete and win in such a challenging environment underscores his raw talent beyond the confines of Formula 1, further cementing his status as one of the sport's all-time greats.

The Details:

• Timo Bernhard, a veteran endurance racer and the current Nürburgring lap record holder, was on commentary duty for the WEC event in Fuji, Japan, when he commented on Verstappen's GT3 victory.
• Bernhard expressed his admiration, stating, "Hats off to Max Verstappen for tackling the Nordschleife. I like this. The platform which gets the most attention, which is Formula 1 for sure, when they try other disciplines."
• He drew parallels to his experience with former F1 driver Mark Webber, who shared a car with Bernhard for three years, emphasizing that great race car drivers enjoy experiencing different aspects of motorsport, with endurance racing offering a rich experience.
• Regarding the Nürburgring lap record, which Bernhard set in June 2018 in a specially prepared Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo, he jokingly remarked that Verstappen would "need to change cars for sure" to challenge it.
• Bernhard, who doesn't know Verstappen personally, praised his racing mentality: "He's a racer, and I like the way he tackled it. He has a huge talent, as we know, and Nordschleife is something special, and he really honours his place. Also, it's something I cherish, I like it."

Between the lines:

This isn't the first time Verstappen's Nordschleife outing has earned him accolades. Veteran Nürburgring driver Frank Stippler previously hailed Verstappen, calling him the 'best driver in the world' and stating he expected nothing less from the Dutchman. This consistent praise from seasoned Nordschleife experts highlights the exceptional nature of Verstappen's performance, given the circuit's notorious difficulty and unique demands.

The big picture:

Verstappen's foray into GT3 racing at the Nordschleife aligns with a growing interest among elite F1 drivers in diverse motorsport challenges. This cross-pollination benefits all disciplines, injecting new fan interest into endurance racing and showcasing the versatility of F1's top talent. It also subtly reinforces the notion that true racing prowess transcends specific car types or tracks.

What's next:

While Verstappen's primary focus remains on his F1 championship campaign, his demonstrated interest and success in other categories suggest potential future engagements beyond F1. Such excursions not only satisfy his passion for racing but also allow him to hone skills that might indirectly benefit his F1 driving, particularly in terms of race craft and car control in varying conditions. Expect further discussions and speculation about his participation in other major endurance events as his F1 career progresses.