Max Verstappen Loses Start at Nürburgring: Why the F1 Champion's Car Slowed Down.

Max Verstappen Makes His GT Racing Debut

According to The Sun: Max Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 champion, has amazed the world by participating in his first GT race. Right after the start, he found himself in close contact with other competitors, though he had to transition from Formula 1 racing to endurance events while the F1 season is on pause between stages in Italy and Azerbaijan.

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Verstappen is competing on the famous Nürburgring track in Germany as part of the ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie this weekend. However, his car is significantly lagging in speed compared to its competitors.

At the start, he found himself in the second group of cars but immediately lost positions due to a significant speed gap.

However, it shouldn't be held against him. Verstappen is racing in a car without modifications, as he does not have the full license to race at the Nürburgring – he needs to pass a few more tests to obtain it.

Verstappen, who set an unofficial lap record under the pseudonym Franz Hermann in May, received a 'B permit' just on Friday, allowing him to participate in races.

However, since he does not yet have an 'A permit', he has to compete in a car with limited power, which significantly reduces his chances in battles with his opponents – his car is 130 horsepower weaker.

This was a reason for his lag on the straight sections of the track.

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Despite all the difficulties, Verstappen qualified with a lag of 15.376 seconds, finishing sixth in class and 27th overall.

To obtain the license, he needs to complete 14 clean laps in his GT4 without any exceptions. This is despite his experience as a four-time F1 champion.

If all goes well, he will be able to compete again on September 27 with a full license in a Ferrari 296 GT3 during the 57th ADAC Barbarossapreis.

Speaking about the rules for obtaining a license, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher expressed the opinion that there is a 'humiliation' in the fact that Verstappen did not get a full license immediately, considering his achievements in motorsport.

He told Motorsport-Total.com: 'Of course, I would have given him that immediately, or he would have been instructed on the Nürburgring and specifics. That would end all disputes.'

'The best driver in the world can do it if others can, I'm sure of that.'

Verstappen already expressed his desire to try other types of motorsport back in June, and his dream is to compete in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.

The Nürburgring is considered one of the most dangerous tracks in the world, where 69 drivers have died in various races. Although measures have been taken to modernize the track and reduce risks for drivers, there have been 12 fatalities recorded since 1998.

Schumacher, who competed in F1 for ten years from 1997 to 2007, admits that he no longer has the 'courage' to race on this track, although he previously participated in DTM for five seasons between 2008 and 2012.

Verstappen not only showcases his skills on the track but also faces the realities of transitioning from Formula 1 to GT racing, where license and car requirements differ significantly. His experience could be intriguing for other drivers dreaming of similar transformations in their careers. The race on September 27 will be an important milestone in his new endeavor.