Secret 'trick' and teammate praise highlight Verstappen's Nurburgring prep

Max Verstappen is using warm-up races to master the unique challenges of endurance racing, with a teammate revealing the F1 champion deployed a secret 'trick' during a recent Nurburgring event. Despite a post-race disqualification for a tyre usage infringement, Verstappen's performance and adaptability in traffic left a strong impression on his experienced co-drivers as he prepares for the iconic Nurburgring 24 Hours in May.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's foray into GT3 and endurance racing offers a rare glimpse into how an elite F1 driver adapts his skills to a completely different discipline. His focus on learning racecraft in traffic and team procedures highlights the nuanced differences between single-seater and endurance racing, while the secret 'trick' underscores his analytical approach to extracting performance in any car.

The details:

• Verstappen dominated a recent NLS (Nurburgring Langstrecken Serie) race, sharing a Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon, winning by nearly a minute from pole.
• The team was later disqualified for using seven sets of tyres, one over the permitted maximum of six for the combined qualifying and race sessions.
• Teammate Insight: Aston Martin F1 simulator driver and seasoned endurance racer Daniel Juncadella was impressed by Verstappen's rapid adaptation, noting he "did something quite special" with a "nice trick" that even veteran GT drivers wouldn't normally consider. Juncadella declined to reveal the specific technique.
• Verstappen's Learning Curve: The Red Bull driver stated his goal is to feel "comfortable and confident to attack... in traffic" and to learn endurance-specific procedures. He admitted to feeling "like a rookie" during mid-race driver changes and pit stop routines.
• Peer Recognition: Long-time Audi endurance driver Christopher Haase praised Verstappen's "precision in the dirty air," noting he's rarely seen anyone tuck into and follow another car's wake as closely as the Dutchman did.

What's next:

Verstappen has confirmed he will return to the Nurburgring for the official 24-hour qualifying race later this month, a crucial final rehearsal. His primary target with the Team BMW M Motorsport entry is to win the Nurburgring 24 Hours itself in May, applying the lessons learned from these preparatory outings to one of motorsport's most grueling challenges.