Max Verstappen, known for his stealth on and off the track, faced unexpected limelight during a GT3 test at the Nordschleife circuit.
The iconic Nordschleife circuit, often a tranquil haven for racers, turned into a spectator ‘madhouse’ when word spread that Max Verstappen was testing there. Using the alias Franz Hermann, Verstappen donned his branded overalls and drove a Ferrari 296, which quickly gave away his true identity, drawing a crowd eager to catch a glimpse of the Formula 1 champion.
Tom Coronel, present at the venue, recounted the chaos that ensued. In a podcast interview, he described the scene, mentioning the difficulties in managing the situation. Coronel mentioned how even his son Rocco was taken inside to meet Verstappen, amidst a throng of journalists eager for a scoop. Emails flooded in with suggestions for Verstappen’s test strategy, but as expected, the seasoned driver had his own approach to tackling the intricate course.
Rumors soon circulated about Verstappen’s interest in joining the GT3 series. However, a significant hurdle was the requirement of a special DMSB permit, necessary for racing in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS). To obtain this permit, Verstappen must complete two races totaling 14 laps in a vehicle similar to a detuned Porsche Cayman.
Despite being a multiple-time F1 World Champion, this requirement remained a barrier. As Coronel noted, Verstappen could not participate in the official race yet, and the Friday test was more of an unofficial appearance. Meanwhile, his performance hinted at a future competitive streak, with lap times marking under eight minutes, showcasing his prowess even in this new racing category.
Max Verstappen’s test run at the Nordschleife was not just another practice day; it underscored his enduring allure and the challenges of expanding his racing horizons. As he maneuvers through the requirements for his GT3 aspirations, the F1 community eagerly watches, anticipating his potential entry into another thrilling racing dimension.
