Max Verstappen Hits Wet Nürburgring Track Before GT3 Debut
Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen isn’t waiting for race day to test his skills at the legendary “Green Hell.”
Verstappen and teammate Chris Lulham took to the Nürburgring Nordschleife on Friday for crucial testing ahead of tomorrow’s endurance race. The rainy session gave both drivers their first taste of the Ferrari GT3 car in wet conditions on the demanding circuit.
That experience could prove invaluable.
Weather in the Eifel mountains is notoriously unpredictable, and with qualifying scheduled for Saturday morning, rain remains a distinct possibility.
The pair will compete in a four-hour endurance race that represents a significant step up for Verstappen. While he recently raced a Cayman GT4 at the same circuit, this marks his first competitive outing in the more powerful GT3 machinery.
Both qualifying and the race will be streamed live on GPblog.
## Verstappen’s Journey to the Nordschleife
Even for a four-time F1 world champion, the Nordschleife plays no favorites. The circuit, infamous for its danger and rich history, requires all drivers to follow the same rigorous qualification process.
Verstappen first had to pass a theory exam before completing training laps around the 12.9-mile track. He then participated in a qualifying session and completed two seven-lap stints in race conditions to earn his A Permit for the Nordschleife.
But he didn’t just meet the requirements.
In qualifying, Verstappen demolished the competition with a wet lap approximately 25 seconds faster than anyone else in his class. During the race, he continued that dominance, setting the fastest lap with a margin of around 20 seconds.
It was a performance that showed just how quickly he’s adapting to one of motorsport’s most challenging circuits.
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