George Russell says Formula 1 drivers are “jealous” of Max Verstappen’s opportunity to race outside of F1, after the reigning four-time world champion took part in a GT3 outing at the Nürburgring.
Verstappen made headlines last weekend when he joined a GT3 field at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, driving a customer Ferrari 296 GT3 in the four-hour event of the German NLS series.
His participation at the legendary German circuit drew huge attention, both from fans and fellow drivers.
The Dutchman delivered a flawless performance in his first competitive outing at the circuit, helping his team secure overall victory, having built up a lead of over one minute before handing over his car to his team-mate.
“I think it’s incredible, to be honest,” said Russell in Singapore on Thursday. “I think we’re all pretty jealous of it because having this freedom of firstly doing what you love in Formula 1, but then also being able to go out and race over things and just enjoy it at your leisure.
“I don’t think it’s quite that straightforward for other people doing it, but you have that right when you win four world championships, and we’re all here fighting to win our first.
“Maybe after four championships under our belts, we’ll be able to choose to do the same, but I respect it a lot and definitely I would love to do it one day.”
Russell’s words were echoed by Lando Norris, who also expressed admiration for Verstappen’s freedom to compete outside of F1 and his ability to win wherever he races.
Norris also believes that such freedom comes with the status of a multiple-time champion, but insists Verstappen’s versatility only underlines his quality as a driver.
“It’s cool. It’s nice he can go and do what he wants,” said Norris. “I think after you win four world championships, you have a bit more right to just go and choose what you want to do.
Verstappen dominated his maiden GT3 race
NLS
“Everyone knows how much Max loves doing all those things. It’s nice that he goes to do something else that he enjoys, but you can do what you want.
“I don’t know how much it adds to your greatness or not, but the fact he can go into any series and be probably the best, I think it does show how good he is and how great he is.
“I’ve said it many times. I think he’s born to be and will forever be one of the best ever, and if not the best in Formula 1. So I think for anyone to have a chance of going up against him and beating him is pretty slim at times.
“I respect it. I think it’s a great thing. If I could go and do it more, maybe I would. But I respect a lot what Max does and I respect Max a lot, like I’ve always said.
“I’ve not seen any of it, but I love the Nordschleife, so that is probably another place I would love to go and try at one point.”
Esteban Ocon added: “Awesome, yeah. I think that was really cool,” said Ocon. “I’ve watched some of it. Obviously, it was a very long race, but I was definitely looking.
“I’ve done some testing and developing on some cars on the Nordschleife last year because I wanted to learn the track and have a feel for myself. I’ve been racing this track on Gran Turismo for years and years and to have seen Max going there and winning the race was obviously incredible, no doubt of how good he is. Remarkable to say the least.”
Russell has no issues with the risks Verstappen takes
Mercedes sees no issues with Verstappen racing outside F1
Williams driver Alexander Albon, who spent a year competing in the DTM, said racing in different categories can bring tangible benefits even for Formula 1 drivers.
“I think there’s a lot to be gained from driving different cars and kind of call it a little bit like your vocabulary,” Albon said.
Watch Verstappen’s fastest lap onboard his Ferrari 296 GT3 on his way to victory on his debut
By
Pablo Elizalde
“In terms of you read a book, you increase your vocabulary, you drive different cars, you increase your, what we call our toolbox. You learn different ways to drive quickly and you figure out different techniques, different challenges, criteria in terms of limitations with a car and how you drive around those kinds of limitations.
“GT cars have electronics, ABS, traction control, and sometimes it feels like you’re driving to the limit of systems rather than the grip of the tire. At least it did for me.
“So I think Max is most probably one of the most, well… He just loves what he does and he drives everything he can. And if you speak to him, you understand that he really does think about these kinds of things and he really does try to improve himself as a driver. So it’s very cool to see someone have the kind of passion he does.”
While praising Verstappen’s passion, Russell also acknowledged the risks that come with competing outside F1. However, he stressed that danger is part of life, whether on or off the circuit.
“I think you have to do what you enjoy in life, and there’s a risk in everything,” Russell added.
“We can slip on the paddle court and break a leg, as an example, or you fall down the stairs in the morning. So I think, obviously, there are certain things that have a greater risk.”
