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Verstappen's Nurburgring adventure praised: 'He doesn't care about convention in F1'

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13:00, 10 Mar

byShanna Lutgert

Nicky Catsburg thinks it’s incredibly cool that Max Verstappen will compete in the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring this year. The Dutch endurance veteran and winner of the Eifel classic expects that Verstappen and his team absolutely have a chance to win.

The four-time world champion confirmed his Nordschleife programme this Monday. Mercedes-AMG specialists Lucas Auer, Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon will make up the line-up alongside Verstappen: “The rumors had of course been going around for a while, and he took part last year (in NLS9, ed.) with the Ferrari,” Catsburg begins in conversation with GPblog.

“We were in touch back then because I also drove that Ferrari on the Nordschleife. It’s mega cool news, firstly for him and that his team allows it between his F1 commitments, but of course also for us, the mere mortals,” the Amersfoorter laughs. “It’s one of my favorite events of the year, and I think it’s only going to get even more fun.”

Verstappen will already be in action on March 21 during NLS2. The race was moved so the Dutchman can prepare for the endurance classic between the Grands Prix of China and Japan. “There was some criticism of that, but I find it completely understandable and very smart that they did it,” says Catsburg. “Everyone benefits.”

Mercedes always strong on the Nordschleife

The Verstappen effect can also be felt in Germany, as NLS winner Calvin de Groot and GT driver Colin Caresani already told this website. Many Dutch fans are expected to travel to the Nürburgring in May hoping to witness a Verstappen victory there. Does he stand a chance? “He definitely has a chance to win,” says Catsburg.

“He has incredibly good teammates; they are absolute Mercedes specialists, factory drivers for Mercedes. I know Dani (Juncadella, ed.) very well because we race together for Corvette. It’s a super-strong line-up with a very strong team. The Balance of Performance (BoP) is always a wait-and-see; we actually only know on Saturday morning before the race, and sometimes not until Saturday night—only then do you see who’s really quick.”

For Mercedes, the collaboration with Verstappen is hugely valuable. The #3 AMG GT3 Evo will appear at the Nürburgring in Red Bull livery: “If Max Verstappen knocks on your door and says: we want to do these races, then of course all doors open. A win would be fantastic for Mercedes. They say: ‘We race on Sunday, we sell on Monday.’ If you win the race on Sunday with Verstappen, it generates a lot of positive attention for the brand.”

Verstappen’s Mercedes-AMG for the 24h Nürburgring

Verstappen’s weapon of choice on the Nordschleife - Photo: Mercedes-AMG Motorsport

'He kind of doesn’t care about what’s customary in F1'

The marketing profile behind Verstappen also grows through participation in events like this, but the ‘Verstappen brand’ will probably never outgrow ‘Verstappen the driver’: “I’m just a big fan because he’s so dedicated to the sport itself. Not only to Formula 1, but he’s also very active in sim racing. He creates opportunities for, for example, Chris Lulham, who is getting chances in motorsport thanks to Max,” Catsburg points out.

“He chooses it because he personally enjoys it, and now he’s taking part in the 24-hour race on the Nordschleife simply because he thinks it’s awesome. I think it’s really cool that he kind of doesn’t care about what’s customary in Formula 1. He’s going to participate in what I consider one of the coolest 24-hour races.”

According to Catsburg, certain circuits, such as the Nürburgring, Macau, Mount Panorama, have something special: “When you get close to the track you already feel: there’s something special going on here. It’s such a uniquely old-school circuit. That makes everyone want to do that race, and fortunately Max Verstappen does too.”