‘So talented, fast and brave’: Verstappen earns huge praise after Nürburgring outing

Max Verstappen came agonizingly close to winning his first 24-hour race at the Nürburgring before a late mechanical failure ended his charge. The four-time world champion's performance earned glowing praise from fellow F1 drivers, including Lance Stroll and Lewis Hamilton, during Thursday's media day ahead of the Montreal Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's willingness to compete in the grueling Nürburgring 24 Hours highlights the growing crossover between Formula 1 and endurance racing. His speed and bravery in the GT3 machine, despite the eventual retirement, reinforced his reputation as one of the most versatile drivers in motorsport.

The details:

• Stroll's praise: The Canadian driver said he watched highlights of Verstappen's run and was particularly struck by “crazy moves in the middle of the night” and the Dutchman's consistent pace. “Hats off. He's so talented and so fast and so brave,” Stroll told reporters in Montreal.
• Stroll's own GT experience: The Aston Martin driver revealed he owns a GT3 car for track days and recently entered a race with friends during the six-week F1 break. “It's always cool driving different things,” he said.
• Hamilton's interest: The seven-time champion admitted he would “love to drive a car around” the Nordschleife at some stage, calling the racing “fantastic.” However, he stressed no concrete plans exist, framing it as a personal ambition rather than a priority.

What's next:

Verstappen returns to F1 duty this weekend at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for round five of the 2026 season. While his Nürburgring outing ended in disappointment, the experience may fuel further endurance attempts in the future — and Hamilton's comments suggest other top drivers are watching closely.