Max Verstappen expresses confidence in competing at Nurburgring.
Max Verstappen stated that he is undeterred by the risks associated with racing at the Nurburgring as he continues his preparations for next month’s 24-hour event at the iconic circuit this weekend.
The four-time champion will return to the German track on Saturday and Sunday to participate in the ADAC 24h Qualifiers — the last two preparatory races leading up to the full 24-hour race on May 16-17.
The 12.9-mile Nordschleife section of the circuit — referred to as the Green Hell — is infamously perilous, featuring sweeping turns and blind crests with limited run-off areas.
Formula 1 ceased racing at the circuit for safety reasons after Niki Lauda endured a catastrophic accident in 1976 that nearly took his life.
While safety measures have greatly improved since the 1970s, the characteristics of the layout ensure that the circuit remains one of the most respected and esteemed in motorsport.
“I’m aware that I can have a serious crash there, but I’m not scared — I actually enjoy it,” Verstappen told ESPN in a recent interview. “I truly relish driving there; it brings a smile to my face.
“Every time I exit the car, I’m pleased. That’s what I’m aiming for, to be honest, to have fun. I recognize it’s a hazardous track, but I’m willing to accept that risk.”
Jackie Stewart, a three-time F1 champion and three-time grand prix victor at the Nurburgring during the 1960s and 1970s, once remarked about the Nordschleife, “anybody who claims they liked the original circuit is either lying or they didn’t go fast enough.”
However, Verstappen believes that the modifications made in recent years allow him to push to the limit in his quest for victory.
“I concur from an F1 perspective, especially in the 60s and 70s, but the track has evolved significantly, I would say, compared to then. So, it’s somewhat different.
“Now, I think it’s acceptable. Yes, I mean, you can crash anywhere. It’s dangerous on many different circuits… I mean, this track [Suzuka] is dangerous as well. It just depends on your viewpoint.”
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Before this weekend’s 24h Qualifiers, Verstappen has competed at the circuit once in the GT4 category and twice in the top GT3 category, known as SP9.
Although his team finished as class winners on all three occasions, it was disqualified from victory in his last outing, a four-hour NLS (Nurburgring Langstrecken Serie) race last month, due to a tyre usage infraction.
Verstappen indicated that the goal of the upcoming 24h Qualifiers — both of which are four-hour races — is to enhance his experience for the 24 Hours, including the chance to drive into the night.
“I need a bit more experience overall,” Verstappen stated. “I would like to perhaps drive towards the night or close to it. Just to have an idea [of what to expect].
“I’m not concerned about it. I just want to do it. The only chance for that, I believe, is in one of the qualifier races.
“So, I need to look into that. The rest is all just procedures with the team, ensuring that we are all well coordinated. And then just fine-tuning the setup even further.
“Also, at the Nordschleife, the weather can vary from one section to another. Such things can occur there.”
Source: espn.com
