Nordschleife Legend 'Emotional' Over Max Verstappen's GT3 Debut Win

Nürburgring legend Timo Bernhard was deeply moved by Max Verstappen's debut GT3 victory on the challenging Nordschleife, emphasizing the rich appeal of endurance racing. Bernhard, a five-time Nürburgring 24 Hours winner and record holder for the full 20.8 km circuit, sees Verstappen's foray into endurance as a significant boost for the discipline.

Why it matters:

• Max Verstappen's participation and immediate success in GT3 endurance racing on the Nordschleife brings significant exposure to a discipline often overshadowed by Formula 1.
• This move aligns with a growing trend of F1 stars like Nico Hülkenberg, Fernando Alonso, and Mark Webber exploring other forms of motorsport, showcasing their versatility and passion for racing beyond F1.
• Bernhard's emotional reaction underscores the unique challenge and reward that the Nordschleife and endurance racing offer, captivating even the most seasoned drivers.

The Details:

• Verstappen's GT3 Debut: Max Verstappen secured a comfortable victory in his first-ever GT3 endurance race on the Nordschleife, a four-hour event, marking a crucial step towards his ultimate goal of competing in the 24-hour race.
• Timo Bernhard's Legacy: Bernhard, known for his five Nürburgring 24 Hours victories, set the current Nordschleife lap record in 2018 with a Porsche 919 Evo, completing the circuit in an astonishing 5m 19.546s—a record that still stands.
• Praise from a Legend: During the WEC Six Hours of Fuji broadcast, Bernhard openly expressed his admiration: "Hats off to Max Verstappen to tackle the Nordschleife, and I like this."
• F1 Crossover Appeal: Bernhard highlighted how F1's immense platform can benefit other racing disciplines when its stars participate, noting past examples of F1 drivers enjoying endurance racing.
  • He mentioned Nico Hülkenberg, Fernando Alonso, and Mark Webber, with whom Bernhard shared a car for three years, all of whom enjoyed experiencing different racing formats.
• Respect for the Track: To qualify for the GT3 race, Verstappen first competed in a GT4 car on the Nordschleife ahead of the Azerbaijan GP to obtain the necessary license, a move Bernhard praised as showing great respect for the demanding German circuit.
  • Bernhard stated, "Nordschleife is something special, and he really honours the place also, that's something I cherish, I like."

The Big Picture:

Verstappen's commitment to tackling the Nordschleife, a track notorious for its unforgiving nature, demonstrates his pure love for motorsport beyond the F1 circuit. His methodical approach to gaining the required licenses and immediate success in a new discipline highlights his exceptional talent and adaptability. This endeavor not only broadens his racing experience but also reinforces the allure of endurance racing to a global audience, potentially inspiring more F1 drivers to explore similar ventures.

What's next:

Verstappen's GT3 victory is a clear indication of his serious intent to compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours in the future. His continued engagement with endurance racing will be closely watched, both by his F1 fanbase and the endurance racing community. Should he eventually compete in and potentially win the 24-hour race, it would solidify his status as one of motorsport's most versatile and accomplished drivers.