Max Verstappen’s entry into this weekend’s Nurburgring 24 Hours has turned heads, with drivers and teams around the paddock all taking notice of what he brings to the event.
Verstappen has spent the past year getting ready for this moment, making his first appearance in the Nurburgring 24 Hours and getting another chance to race on a track that every driver wants to experience.
The date has been circled on Red Bull Racing’s calendar since the four-time world champion received clearance to compete in GT3 cars at the circuit last year.
He hasn’t just participated – he’s impressed, delivering some strong performances in several NLS events over recent months.
Now that Verstappen is a regular face around the iconic Eifel circuit, it hasn’t taken long for everyone there to reach a similar conclusion about what his presence means for this year’s endurance race.
Nicky Catsburg says drivers are excited to see Max Verstappen race
Speaking to De Telegraaf before Verstappen’s Nurburgring 24 Hours debut, GT3 driver Nicky Catsburg shared how people inside the paddock feel about the Dutchman’s appearance at the event.
He said, “I hear from all my fellow drivers around me that they think it’s so cool that Max is taking part.
“Some find it a bit harder to admit that than others, because everyone naturally thinks they’re the coolest driver. It’s a dream to battle it out with Max, the best driver of the moment.”
“It’s brilliant for the sport and the event. I hope the event now gets the attention it deserves. I’m just sure of one thing in advance: if I knock Max off the track, I won’t be allowed back into Holland.”
The majority of drivers taking part in this year’s race are professionals, but there will still be a significant number of amateur entries as well.
This year there is an added attraction – racing against a multiple-time F1 champion on one of motorsport’s most demanding tracks is something most will never experience again.
Verstappen has already been warned about what he could face racing through parts of Germany’s Eifel forest at night. As rival Renger van der Zande mentioned, Verstappen will need to stay sharp during those hours.
Catsburg believes Verstappen has the mental strength to adapt to anything
Verstappen’s mental game has often been highlighted as a key factor in his rise through Formula 1, with many in the paddock pointing to it as a major reason behind his long run of success.
Catsburg echoed that view when speaking to De Telegraaf, suggesting that Verstappen is well-equipped to handle whatever challenges come his way during the endurance race.
“If it starts raining on the Nordschleife, it gets tricky,” Catsburg added. “It’s incredibly hard to judge where it’s wet and where it’s dry there. Then it can just get scary; I’d rather it were a teammate’s turn!
“Something’s always happening there. That makes it strategically mega-difficult, but also very interesting. Dealing with traffic is tricky. That will apply to Max too, but he has so much spare capacity that he’ll handle it.”
“I think I can assess other drivers well because I’ve been in various cars and situations myself,” he continued. “You’re constantly watching to see how and when a slower driver will pull over. It’s a fun game.”
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