Team boss impressed with Verstappen's Ferrari test: 'World-class'

Max Verstappen tested in a Ferrari at the Portimao circuit during the winter break. That may not be as exciting as it sounds: as it was not a Formula 1 car but a Ferrari 296 GT3, the car with which Thierry Vermeulen competes in the DTM class on behalf of Emil Frey Racing.

Verstappen tests again in a Ferrari

This is not the first time Verstappen has driven Vermeulen's Ferrari. Earlier in 2023, he did the same at the Mugello circuit. Verstappen's test laps have everything to do with the mentorship of Thierry Vermeulen, the son of manager Raymond Vermeulen. Jos Verstappen, Thierry's riding coach, was also present at the circuit.

So the two track days at Portimao were not for fun, as Verstappen worked with Emil Frey Racing to complete an intensive test programme in which different set-ups were tried. The aim was to use the triple F1 champion's experience to support the development of 21-year-old Vermeulen, team boss Lorenz Frey-Hilti explained to Motorsport-Total.com.

Verstappen competed on both days of testing and drove around 100 laps on the first day, alternating with Vermeulen behind the wheel. "We are honoured that he is using our services as a race team and that we can work with him on the test days. That's absolutely great," the team boss added.

Frey-Hilti was deeply impressed by Verstappen behind the wheel and praised him for what he managed to perform in a GT3 car. "He is incredibly down-to-earth and a really nice guy. It's nice to see how much passion he has for motorsport and what he achieves. Even with a GT3 car, his feedback is of a different level than anything I've seen so far. He is world-class," said the team boss.