Despite a cruel technical when the motors showed signs of fortune, the Nurburgring 24 Hours saw a lot of talk about the performance of Max Verstappen GT3. His first serious come at the legendary Formula 1 title was a sure class act with crowds and media delighted with his work plus praise from Mercedes-AMG Motorsport boss Christoph Sagemuller likening Verstappen’s talents as a “one of the best GT3 drivers in the world”.
Mercedes-AMG did claim their first overall win at the Nurburgring 10th time in 10 years, but frustration reigned in the Mercedes-AMG garage due to the fact the #3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing took the break in a broken driveshaft in the final hours of the race. But until then Verstappen and his colleagues appeared all set for a big one-two with the German manufacturer.
First off, it was one of one of the most fantastic editions of the race in recent years. The ever-changing weather coupled with low visibility and heavy overnight racing kept things under a lot of strain around the field. Sag Muller said it was “longer than 24 hours” since the pressure was relentless and the circumstances unpredictable during the entire race.
Compared to a number of competitors that found the mixed conditions harried, Mercedes-AMG has dealt with assorted frisky moments pretty okay. Both Mercedes front runners have survived the risky start, setting themselves up to be strong contenders for the win.
The biggest moment was however in the night when teammate Maro Engel was on his toes with Verstappen on a rampage up the iconic Dottinger Hohe straight. The two Mercedes were actually not that feeble, and kept running side by side with only a slight touch of the grass while defending position, as was seen in this instance with the Mercedes of the likes of Engel coming to her brother’s aid. Though shocked, both pilots kept their heads on straight and kept on racing.
The competitive battle gripped quite clearly began fans’ and team management attention at once.
Sagemuller, later, wrote that he had “mixed feelings” that he watched the exchange. It was home to top-level competition for two great drivers, on one hand.On one side, the fight common was that of top drivers versus one another. However, the other worry was that there was too much risk in jeopardizing its winning position in the race.
Regardless of this, though, AMG chief said he was impressed by the skills of the Dutch man.
“As we rode, I saw some cool racing going on in the car with Max and Maro,” Sagemuller explained. We did have some of the best GT3 guys in the field there and Max definitely demonstrated that he is one of the best GT3 guys in the world.”
What this is saying isn’t that trivial just because there is plenty of competition around the Nurburgring 24 Hours. It is widely recognised that one of the hardest endurance races in motorsport was the one which followed the harsh and demanding Nordschleife roadcourse, demanding discipline, consistency, and mental strength as well as raw speed.
Verstappen got the hang of it fast despite a lack of preparation time.
At the same time, however, Mercedes AMS reportedly warned both the top crews not to undertake any unnecessary risks at the night time sessions. Sagemuller said it was not a question of setting team rules but of “safeguarding the vehicles and keeping their comfortable lead.
One time there were almost five minutes from Mercedes in front of the rest of the fleet — survival and reliability was the key factor.
Sadly for Verstappen’s team, reliability took its toll.
The #3 Mercedes-AMG broke the driveshaft in the final 3:34 as they still kept the car in a scoring position, though.The #3 Mercedes-AMG broke its driveshaft, forcing the car off its overall fight through the final 3:34. What had been a great debut introduction into GT endurance driving by Verstappen was cut short by a sad mechanical break down.
Team: Sagemuller has been deeply disappointed by the result.
“It was very unfortunate, very unfortunate, he said. The cause of the problems is still being traced, but in a way, they’re in a bad situation, ’cause they’re supposed to have been in a much better place.
Although he was unable to win, Verstappen drew huge attention to the sport of GT racing. Worldwide Formula 1 and endurance racing fans were closely following the event, resulting in greater exposure for a GT race than is typically afforded.
Verstappen’s participation in the event was “the best thing that could have happened for the sport,” Sagemuller said, crediting the Dutch superstar for “taking the enjoyment of GT very seriously.”
Lastly, there are already questions being raised that if Verstappen will be returning to more endurance events in the future. However, it’s unclear whether there is an official agreement for a follow up for Mercedes-AMG, but it seems like a very worthwhile partnership to have the car maker continue post-this one.
The Nürburgring 24 Hours was the proof for Verstappen of something which many readers were already aware: His talents for racing much longer than F1. Even with the drug downing, he did prove to have the speed, the confidence, and the race craft to run at the very good in GT and make him a player to watch,
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