Max Verstappen takes endurance racing debut win at Nordschleife
Max Verstappen raced in a Ferrari 296 entered by Emil Frey Racing alongside Chris Lulham at the Nurburgring Endurance Series, and finished 24.5 seconds ahead at the front.
New Delhi: Max Verstappen, after taking four Formula One wins, took a brilliant win in his debut GT3 race at Nordschleife on Saturday. The Dutch driver raced in a Ferrari 296 entered by Emil Frey Racing alongside Chris Lulham at the Nurburgring Endurance Series, and finished 24.5 seconds in front of the likes of Dennis Fetzer, Jann Mardenborough and Fabio Scherer’s Ford Mustang GT3 in second.
Verstappen’s win in his debut endurance racing comes after he tested at the 13-mile Nordschleife, nicknamed "the Green Hell” after he had tested earlier this year at the track in the alias of "Franz Hermann”.
Nordschleife is often thought to be the most challenging and dangerous track in the world, and was in fact used as host for the German Grand Prix. It was on this track that Niki Lauda had his fiery crash in 1976. In more recent times, Verstappen has shown interest in racing outside F1 as well.
Red Bull have given the green light to participate, as there is a growing internal belief that ultimately, Verstappen’s long-term involvement in Formula One will depend on whether he is allowed to race outside the World Championship.
Where Verstappen stand in F1 championship?
Verstappen has said that he wants to compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours as well in the future, but nothing concrete has been said. At present, in the championship, on the back of two wins in a row, he is third in the championship. He is 44 points behind Lando Norris, who sits in second place and 69 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri. Everyone at McLaren are well aware and concerned that the defending champion is very much in with a chance to take his fifth title in a row, including McLaren’s boss Andrea Stella.
With the next race being in Singapore, everyone is well aware of Verstappen's ability in the street and amidst all the current drivers, he has the best record in terms of taking points.