Max Verstappen’s Nurburgring instructor reveals how the Red Bull star ‘impressed’ him during GT4 debut

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Max Verstappen showcased the reasons why he has been such a dominant figure in Formula 1 in an impressive debut at the Nordschleife in the Nurburgring Endurance Series on Saturday.

Verstappen finally realised his dream of racing at the famous ‘Green Hell’ in a de-tuned Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 for his own team, Verstappen.com Racing.

The Red Bull F1 driver participated in the race, as well as a full introductory course to the circuit, with the aim of securing a special permit that is needed to race on the track in more powerful machinery.

Following the experience at the world-renowned circuit, Verstappen shared his thoughts on lapping the Nurburgring in an F1 car. The last F1 Grand Prix to take place on the 12.9-mile track was in 1976, with it being dropped due to safety concerns.

READ MORE: Helmut Marko explains why Max Verstappen is currently not allowed to compete in 24-Hour GT3 race

Andreas Gulden was ‘impressed’ by Max Verstappen’s Nurburgring ‘ambition’

Andreas Gulden, a Nurburgring Driving Academy instructor, was tasked with the job of teaching the four-time world champion the ropes of touring car racing at the circuit, and was mightily impressed by Verstappen’s skills in the Porsche.

“It’s great to see Max here,” Gulden told De Telegraaf. “He looked very interested during that bus ride around the circuit.

“For example, he was interested in which line to drive in the rain, and I was able to tell him about the different types of asphalt and the flag signals, which are different from other racing series. I think we learned something from each other.

“He’s a really nice guy. A huge enthusiast, too. It’s wonderful to see him smiling behind the wheel, driving on the most beautiful circuit in the world. I am really very impressed by Max.

“Of course, by his qualities in the car, but there is no doubt about that. But also because of his ambition and interest. He is so incredibly focused. It was an honour for me to work with him for a while. He is a true world champion, a true racer.”

Verstappen first drove at the Nurburgring during a secret test in May that saw him break the GT3 lap record in a Ferrari 296 under the pseudonym of ‘Franz Hermann’.

READ MORE: Max Verstappen dubbed the funniest driver on the F1 grid as he breaks silence on secret ‘Franz Hermann’ test

How did Max Verstappen get on in his Nordschleife debut?

Despite not meeting all of the requirements necessary, Verstappen obtained the permit he needed in order to race GT3 cars on the Nordschleife in the future.

The Dutchman was required to complete at least 14 laps, split between two cars, over the course of the four-hour race.

Verstappen was able to complete the required amount of running in the first car, but was unable to leave the pit lane in the second car due to damage it had sustained in qualifying.

A committee reviewed the case of the 28-year-old and decided in favour of granting Verstappen the licence anyway.

There is no doubt that his impressive lap times and credibility as a Formula 1 world champion had a part to play in him receiving the green light.

After his test at the track in May, Jos Verstappen was in awe of Max after watching the onboard footage. The former F1 driver highlighted how his son’s antics were ‘not normal’, considering it was his first time lapping the circuit away from his racing simulator.