Is there anything Max Verstappen can't dominate? The reigning three-time Formula 1 champion is not just setting the track ablaze in single-seaters; his recent ventures into GT racing are turning heads, even among motorsport legends. None other than Bernd Maylander, the seasoned F1 Safety Car driver and a revered figure at the Nürburgring, has voiced his profound admiration for Verstappen's endurance arc.
Here are the key takeaways from Bernd Maylander's observations:
- Bernd Maylander, a former Nürburgring 24 Hours champion, is captivated by Max Verstappen's GT racing prowess.
- Verstappen has been showcasing his talent in Mercedes GT3 machinery on the iconic Nordschleife.
- Maylander emphasized the significant differences between the F1 Safety Car he pilots and a purpose-built GT3 race car.
- The motorsport community, particularly within the GT racing world, is closely following Verstappen's every move on the challenging German circuit.
F1 Legend on Max's Versatility
Speaking on the F1 Beyond The Grid podcast, Maylander, a man who knows the Nürburgring like the back of his hand, couldn't hide his excitement. Having himself conquered the gruelling Nürburgring 24 Hours, his endorsement of Verstappen’s skills in a GT car carries immense weight. He’s been a keen observer of Verstappen's outings in Mercedes GT3 cars at the legendary track.
"The whole motorsport and GT world is keeping an eye on what he's doing at that racetrack," Maylander stated, highlighting the widespread interest in the Dutchman's multi-disciplinary talent. For someone who started his own racing journey on the Nordschleife, Maylander truly appreciates the challenge.
GT3 vs. Safety Car: A Different Beast Entirely
Maylander offered a fascinating comparison between the machinery Verstappen is driving and the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series he commands as the F1 Safety Car. While some basics might feel similar—like engine placement and balance—the reality is a stark contrast. A GT3 car is a purpose-built racing machine.
"It's a proper racing car... developed just to be a race car on a racetrack with much more downforce, less weight," Maylander explained. In contrast, his Safety Car is essentially a modified road car. Despite boasting nearly 200 horsepower more than a GT3 car, the Safety Car is significantly heavier and runs on road tyres. Their roles are fundamentally different: one is built to win races, the other to manage safety.
The Nordschleife Challenge: A True Test of Skill
Verstappen isn't just racing; he's tackling one of the most demanding circuits on the planet: the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Maylander, who credits the track for teaching him how to drive quickly, underscored its raw nature. "It's pure racing. It's a very difficult track. It's difficult to overtake."
He praised Verstappen's ability to find those crucial overtaking moments in GT3 cars, noting it requires "a lot of passion." This isn't just a casual hobby for Max; it's a testament to his raw talent and unyielding desire to race, regardless of the category. The excitement around his potential future in endurance racing is palpable, and for good reason.
