Ex-driver hails Verstappen as Nürburgring frenzy grows: ‘Bow down to him’

Speaking during the press conference ahead of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring weekend – attended by GPblog – the 44-year-old highlighted how the four-time Formula 1 world champion has helped restore attention to German motorsport and brought the iconic Nordschleife back into the global spotlight.

“We should bow down to him. He is putting the Nürburgring and German motorsport fully back in the spotlight. It is the biggest race in the world and it takes place in Germany. Yet actually, no one really talks about it,” Glock explained.

The former Toyota F1 driver went on to describe how Verstappen has reignited what he called the “madness” and excitement surrounding racing in Germany.

Glock also labelled the four-time world champion a role model for the sport, pointing to Verstappen’s decision to skip the F1 movie premiere in 2025 in favour of GT3 testing at Spa-Francorchamps.

“To me, he is an example for the sport. The most beautiful image I have seen of him was last year when everyone was going to New York for the premiere of the F1 film and he was simply testing a GT3 car in Spa. That really says it all,” he concluded.

Verstappen’s exploits at the Nordschleife have continued to attract a flurry of praise, with several drivers including current Winward Racing teammate Dani Juncadella, who recently lauded how much he has boosted interest in endurance racing.

Verstappen and the Winward Racing outfit missed out on pole position for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring race. The Dutch driver, who alongside Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella took to the Green Hell for qualifying, missed out on pole by just over eight-tenths of a second.

Auer and Verstappen guided the team through Top Qualifying 1 and 2, respectively, before Juncadella took over for the final leg of qualifying. The Spaniard, however, set a lap time quick enough for fourth place, with Luca Engstler in the #84 Red Bull Team ABT Lamborghini claiming pole position.