Max Verstappen Breaks Nurburgring Lap Record in GT3 Ferrari Test

The racing world was abuzz last week when news broke that Formula 1 star Max Verstappen had set a new lap record at the Nurburgring Nordschleife while testing a GT3 Ferrari. However, the reaction was mixed, with some expressing disbelief and others questioning the validity of the record.

The Controversy Surrounding Max Verstappen’s Record-Breaking Lap

Porsche World Endurance Championship driver Laurens Vanthoor and DTM racer Maro Engel were among those who questioned the authenticity of Verstappen’s record. They pointed out that the test day did not require technical conformity, and that Verstappen may have been running with DTM Balance of Performance (BoP) settings, which include less weight, a lower ride height, and more power than his Ferrari 296 GT3 would have to run in an official Nurburgring Endurance Series (NLS) race.

Verstappen responded to Engel’s tweet, denying the allegations and stating that he was running with the correct BoP settings. Engel later admitted that his tweet may have been based on incorrect information from the paddock chat.

Max Verstappen’s Response to the Controversy

In an interview at Imola, Verstappen clarified that he was not bothered by the controversy and that he had gone to the Nurburgring to have fun and learn. He admitted that it was hurtful when Engel made a comment about his record, but he emphasized that he respects all drivers in the GT3 world.

Verstappen also confirmed that he used the official NLS BoP settings during the test and that he had been following the correct procedures. He expressed his desire to compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours in the future, but clarified that his main focus remains on his Formula 1 career.

The Official Lap Record and Eyewitness Accounts

The official NLS lap record is held by Christian Krognes, who set a time of 7m49.578s in a BMW M4 GT3 in November 2022. However, eyewitnesses reported that Verstappen smashed this record almost effortlessly during the test day. One witness even described a spectacular overtaking move by Verstappen at Hatzenbach corner as “almost hard to believe.

David Perel, who was also participating in the test with a Ferrari 296 GT3, noted that Verstappen could be a great driver if he takes it seriously. However, he also pointed out that Verstappen had plenty of power and top speed during the test.

The Future of Max Verstappen in the Nurburgring Endurance Series

Despite the controversy surrounding his record-breaking lap, Verstappen has expressed his desire to compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours in the future. He is already in talks with the DMSB body to obtain the necessary permit required to compete in the GT3 class. However, it is unlikely that he will be granted a special exemption, as even motorcycle superstar Valentino Rossi was not given this privilege in 2023.

It remains to be seen whether Verstappen will return to the Nurburgring to compete in the NLS and prove his record-breaking lap under race conditions. However, one thing is certain: Max Verstappen is serious about becoming a GT racing champion, and he will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.