Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo will be driving old Formula 1 cars of Red Bull Racing's on the legendary Nordschleife in Germany in September. Max Verstappen would have liked to participate together with his colleagues, but his team did not give him permission. The Dutchman is disappointed, but also understands the decision.
The Nürburgring-Nordschleife has a dangerous history. Since 1976, no Grand Prix has been held on the circuit. In that year, Niki Lauda crashed off the track and smashed into the guardrail hard. His car immediately caught fire. Miraculously, Lauda survived the inferno.
"Helmut Marko immediately said it was not allowed because he realizes that I would also try to push the limits," Verstappen said in response to getting a no from Red Bull's top advisor. "I would love to do it, but I won't insist on it. I don't want to cause unnecessary problems."
"When I heard the news, I happened to be sitting at the table with Helmut. He immediately said, 'No, no, you're not going to do that.' I hope to experience it at some point in the future. It would be the best experience driving a Formula 1 car, but if that's not possible or allowed, it could also be in a GT car, for example."
Marko probably doesn't want to take any risks with his world champion. Verstappen won the championship in 2021 and 2022, and he is already on track to make it three in a row in 2023. After just seven races, the Dutchman is currently 53 points ahead of his closest rival and teammate Sergio Pérez. He has also already won five Grands Prix.
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