Nürburgring
via Motorsport.comThe sim rig Max Verstappen swears by ahead of his GT3 race against RossiMax Verstappen is preparing for his upcoming GT World Challenge Europe race against Valentino Rossi, scheduled for October 17 at Portimao. Verstappen will drive the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3, taking over for drivers who are competing in another championship that weekend. He has not driven a GT3 car since the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May, making this a significant return to the track.
To prepare, Verstappen relies on a static sim rig, which he believes allows for faster lap times compared to motion rigs. His setup includes high-end components and is valued at an estimated $25,000 to $35,000. Verstappen's commitment to sim racing is evident, as he logs more hours on his rig than many competitors do in actual GT3 cars, showcasing his dedication to mastering multiple forms of motorsport.
Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 21:18 UTC
via AutosportMax Verstappen to race GT3 at Portimão this monthMax Verstappen has confirmed he will compete in a GT3 race at Portimão, adding to his already busy Formula 1 schedule. The Red Bull Racing driver will race a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by 2 Seas Motorsport.
Autosport+ 4 moreThu 1 Oct · 08:45 UTC
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen addresses Alonso GT3 partnership rumoursMax Verstappen has dismissed speculation about teaming up with Fernando Alonso in GT3 racing. The Dutch driver confirmed his next appearance in GT3 machinery following his recent Aston Martin deal.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:48 UTC
via the-race.comMax Verstappen to race GT3 in Portugal this monthMax Verstappen has confirmed he will compete in a GT3 race in Portugal later this month, marking his return to GT racing. This will be his first appearance in GT3 machinery since the Nurburgring 24 Hours.
the-race.com+ 3 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:20 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Joop van Bilsen / Anefo · CC0Verstappen targets Nurburgring, Spa endurance racesMax Verstappen has announced his intention to participate in major endurance races at the Nurburgring and Spa in 2027, as the Formula 1 calendar will not clash with these events. He expressed his desire to return to the Nordschleife after a previous race and highlighted Spa as another appealing option, although he remains uncertain about competing in Le Mans due to its demanding preparation requirements.
Lando Norris is also getting involved in endurance racing, having recently driven McLaren's new prototype for the World Endurance Championship. However, other F1 drivers like Nico Hulkenberg and Fernando Alonso have expressed skepticism about adding endurance races to their schedules, citing the busy calendar as a significant barrier to participation.newsonf1.comThu 24 Sep · 06:48 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 champion Max Verstappen reveals his 'bucket list' races after Nurburgring adventureMax Verstappen has shared his aspirations for future racing events, particularly after his experience at the Nurburgring 24 Hours. He is keen on participating in various endurance races, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, and has discussed the possibility of collaborating with fellow driver Fernando Alonso for this event.
Verstappen emphasized that he wants to approach these races on his own terms and in a competitive environment. Despite his criticisms of current F1 regulations, he remains committed to the sport and is motivated by the hope for improvements in the coming years, as he continues his career with Red Bull through 2030.
gpfans.comWed 9 Sep · 21:57 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen linked with return to Mercedes GT3Max Verstappen is rumored to be making a return to GT3 racing later this year. He has expressed a strong interest in the discipline and is reportedly seeking a high-profile teammate for his new entry.
RacingNews365+ 1 moreTue 1 Sep · 13:30 UTC
via RaceFansOn This Day: Nurburgring Safety Car pile-up triggers withdrawals in WSC | BriefOn August 24, 1986, Mike Thackwell and Henri Pescarolo achieved victory at the Nurburgring 1000 kilometres, driving for Sauber-Mercedes. The race was marred by a significant crash that occurred behind the Safety Car, leading to its red-flagging due to the severe weather conditions, particularly heavy rain.
The crash resulted in the withdrawal of both factory Porsche teams, and several customer teams, including Brun, Joest, and Kremer, also chose to withdraw in protest against the unsafe racing conditions. This incident highlighted the challenges faced in endurance racing during adverse weather.
RaceFansMon 24 Aug · 10:45 UTC
via grandprix.comNo new prospects for German GP returnThe possibility of a return for the German Grand Prix has been discussed, with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali suggesting that Hockenheim could be a candidate in the medium term. However, both Hockenheim and Nurburgring officials have indicated that no immediate agreements are in place, and further investment would be necessary for a successful return.
Gunther Steiner, the former Haas team principal, expressed that the absence of a German GP is hard to justify, urging for a long-term strategy to reintegrate the event into the Formula 1 calendar. Despite ongoing discussions between Hockenheim and F1, no tangible outcomes have emerged, and the Nurburgring is currently unable to host the event due to scheduling conflicts.grandprix.comSat 22 Aug · 12:22 UTC
via RacingNews365F1 returns to Nurburgring with game-changing new technology - On This DayOn August 4, 1985, Formula 1 made a significant return to the Nürburgring, marking the first championship race at the venue since Niki Lauda's near-fatal crash in 1976. The event introduced a new 4.5-kilometre GP-Strecke circuit, replacing the dangerous Nordschleife, and featured the groundbreaking use of onboard camera technology during the race, which changed motorsport broadcasting forever.
Michele Alboreto won the race for Ferrari, extending his championship lead, while the team topped the constructors' standings. The race also saw several retirements, including pole-sitter Teo Fabi, and Niki Lauda, despite his past, managed to set the fastest lap. This event was notable for being the last instance of a team entering more than two cars in a championship race.
RacingNews365Tue 4 Aug · 10:55 UTC
via RaceFansOn This Day: Lauda survives fiery, near-fatal crash at Nurburgring | BriefOn August 1, 1976, Niki Lauda experienced a near-fatal crash during the German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring when his Ferrari collided with a barrier and caught fire. He was rescued by fellow drivers who stopped their cars to help him escape the burning wreckage, although he suffered significant injuries including burns and lung damage.
Despite his injuries, Lauda made a remarkable attempt to return to racing to defend his championship lead against James Hunt. However, during the challenging conditions at the season finale in Fuji, he chose not to race, ultimately allowing Hunt to win the championship.
RaceFansSat 1 Aug · 07:42 UTC