A filmmaker with a soft spot for Ronnie Peterson, Gilles Villeneuve, Mika Hakkinen and above all, Tazio Nuvolari and Ayrton Senna, is also a diehard Formula One fan since the age of 4 (mid-90's). An avid researcher of the past of Grand Prix Racing since before it was even named F1, and with a thirst for knowledge of the ins and outs of the actuality of the sport, as well as for the technical aspects that define it, is a member of GPblog since 2023, where he has put his love of racing to good use.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, and Red Bull's chief advisor have criticised the Nordschleife over their attitude toward current F1 champion, Max Verstappen.
Max Verstappen at Monza in 2025 @RacePictures
"He does not want special treatment on his own. That, too, distinguishes him."- Helmut Marko
In order to compete in the 24 hour race at the Nurburgring, drivers need to get their hands on a special license, even four-time World Champion, Max Verstappen.
It's this situation that Schumacher finds "extremely ridiculous."
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"The so-called wild cards also exist in other sports," the German said. "Max is the best racing driver in the world at the moment. So you can certainly trust him to be able to master the Nordschleife without a special driving school.
"Especially since he has already proven exactly that in previous test drives, which were also gladly marketed by the Nürburgring."
Verstappen's praises - as well as criticism on the Nordschleife 'burocracy,' were also sung by Marko.
"He is extremely positive despite the terrible bureaucracy at the Nürburgring and goes along with everything. He does not want special treatment on his own. That, too, distinguishes him," the Austrian concluded.
Max Verstappen celebrates clinching pole for the Italian Grand Prix. Credit: Race Pictures.
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Verstappen a class apart from most of current F1 drivers
Whilst Formula One continues to remain as the pinnacle of motosports, for certain drivers, like Verstappen and Fernando Alonso, it is not the only racing series out there.
In Alonso's case this has resulted in a near-win at Indianapolis in 2017, two WEC titles and multiple Le Mans wins as well, including a run in the legendary Dakar Rally.
For Verstappen, though, this has flourished in a desire to run and test various race cars. He is currently racing the 4 hour 2025 ADAC championship race at the Nordschleife, in order to get his license so he can then race the 24 hour race at the 'Green Hell.'
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