Verstappen Races at “The Green Hell” While Title Contenders Play It Safe

Max Verstappen just can’t stay away from racing—even when it might make his bosses nervous.

The three-time F1 champion recently made his professional debut at the Nürbürgring Nordschleife, a track so dangerous it’s nicknamed “The Green Hell.” Meanwhile, title challengers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris wouldn’t dare take such a risk.

Fatalities and serious crashes remain commonplace at the legendary German circuit. That’s what makes Verstappen’s appearance there so eyebrow-raising.

Former Aston Martin strategist Bernie Collins thinks the Dutchman’s weekend hobby was just too risky.

“I had one thought on this at home on the weekend,” she said. “Obviously, over the winter, a lot of teams prevent drivers from going skiing or snowboarding or mountain biking or any of these things that could potentially injure themselves.”

“Well, like it literally says on the pass, motorsport is dangerous. Like driving around the Nordschleife in a slower car,” Collins added, referring to Verstappen’s recent run to get his A Permit—which he needed before racing professionally at the iconic track.

Collins believes the timing is everything here.

“If he were racing for the world championship, if Red Bull were racing for the Constructors’ championship, it should be a slightly different decision.”

The danger isn’t just about Verstappen’s driving skills.

“I think Max is a great driver, but it’s like any of us driving on the road at home. You can’t be responsible for the guys around you. A big accident could happen at any time. So it’s a risk, I don’t know if that’s the engineer in me talking.”

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok agrees—but sees it as a personality thing too.

“If it’s Oscar or Lando, absolutely, it’s not worth the risk,” he said. “But, I think you also have to think of the characters. I think Fernando or a Max, they get energised by driving all the time.”

He compared it to Lewis Hamilton‘s off-track activities.

“It’s a bit like when people were saying about Lewis going to all these places and fashion shows, and Toto used to say, ‘Well, it’s what makes him happy and a happy Lewis is a faster Lewis.'”

Red Bull Backs Their Champion

Red Bull’s chief advisor Helmut Marko actually praised Verstappen’s commitment to racing—even taking a little dig at drivers who prefer fashion shows over spending time behind the wheel.

The 81-year-old Austrian did draw one line, though. The legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans is off the table for now.

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