In a captivating twist in the motorsport world, Max Verstappen has strongly denied claims from Mercedes-AMG driver Marco Engel concerning the specifications of his recent GT3 outing at the renowned Nordschleife circuit.
Last week, under the pseudonym “Mr. Franz Hermann,” Verstappen made headlines as he took on the Nordschleife behind the wheel of a Ferrari 296 GT3. His run turned heads, with whispers that his lap time was beneath the current record pace, clocking in at 7:49.5 seconds over the 20.832-kilometer stretch. Although no official time was recorded, Verstappen confirmed his lap was indeed record-breaking, noting, “I was just having fun and learning the track together with the team.”
However, Marco Engel took to social media platform X to share what he described as “a few facts” about the car’s setup during Verstappen’s run. According to Engel, the Ferrari was running in a DTM spec BoP, which includes less weight and more power compared to the standard NLS BoP, allowing a lap time of 7:48. His comments seemed to suggest an unfair advantage. Engel added a light-hearted remark hoping to see ‘Franz’ compete in future events.
Verstappen was quick to dismiss Engel’s assertions, labeling them as “false.” He urged Engel and others to avoid spreading misinformation about car setups and engine settings that they weren’t privy to. Verstappen challenged the notion he would participate in a track day set up differently from the standards for those types of events, sarcastically wishing Engel well for the following day.
Looking ahead, Verstappen expressed his ambition to compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours race with his GT3 team, a dream unlikely to face opposition from his Formula 1 commitments. “It’s my passion,” he declared, emphasizing his dedication to honing his skills at every opportunity. His extensive preparation included countless hours on a simulator, ensuring he was well-acquainted with the track’s layout and intricacies before ever setting foot on it.
Despite critiques from former racers like Ralf Schumacher, who questioned the wisdom of driving on what is often considered a dangerous track, Verstappen remained unfazed. “The most important thing is that you know exactly where you’re going,” he confidently stated, reflecting his thorough preparation and readiness to tackle the famed circuit.
Max Verstappen’s recent GT3 adventure illustrates not only his commitment to racing but also his ability to swiftly address and counter claims that could tarnish his achievements. His passion for motorsport extends beyond Formula 1, as he continuously seeks new challenges and experiences on tracks around the world.
