Verstappen reveals true target for Nürburgring Qualifiers weekend
Photo: Race Pictures
Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Max Verstappen conceded he is still getting to grips with extracting the car’s full potential, acknowledging he remains relatively inexperienced in GT racing at the Nordschleife.
Speaking to NLS earlier today, the four-time world champion said the weekend represents an important opportunity, particularly to support his teammate, who has had the least time in the car so far and needs to be brought up to speed within the group.
“For me, this is an important weekend, also to support Lucas a bit. Out of all of us, he has spent the least time in the car so far, so it’s important to get him up to speed within the group. The car is working really well. At the same time, I’m still learning myself when it comes to the setup - we’re still trying small things to find even more pace.
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“The other teams are also working on their fine-tuning and balance, and that’s exactly what we’re trying to do as well. Hopefully everything will come together for the main race.”
He also pointed out that rival teams are making similar adjustments to optimise balance and performance, and stressed the importance of getting everything right ahead of the main race. For now, the focus remains on gaining more race experience and building confidence with the car.
Max Verstappen - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
“Today is simply about gaining more race experience and becoming even more familiar with the car. You also have to look at the conditions: we’ve been out in the wet, hopefully it will be dry later. But there could still be damp patches where the grass is wet, so you need to be a bit careful when overtaking off the racing line. For me, it’s good to experience all conditions.
“I’ve wanted to race here for quite a while. I’ve followed endurance racing a lot, and this is definitely one of the toughest races out there. Now that I finally have the chance to do it, I’m really curious to see how it will go.”
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Verstappen reacts to Nordschleife tragedy with heartfelt message after GT driver’s death
Before returning to the track this morning, the four-time world champion took to social media on Saturday evening to respond to the tragic news, admitting he was deeply affected by what had happened.
A central figure of the Nürburgring weekend as he targets an early spot in May’s 24 Hours, he also reflected on how incidents like this underline the risks of motorsport, while offering his condolences to Miettinen’s family and loved ones.
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