There’s no stopping Max Verstappen
Between the Italian Grand Prix and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Max Verstappen took a short detour from his Formula 1 duties to compete in a completely different racing environment. The reigning world champion earned his Licenza A at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which allowed him to enter the 4 Hours of the Nürburgring, part of the NLS (Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie). Driving a Ferrari 296 GT3, Max Verstappen stormed to victory last weekend on the legendary German circuit, adding another achievement to his already extraordinary career.
This success came during another break in the busy F1 calendar, between the Baku Grand Prix and the upcoming race in Indonesia. Max Verstappen’s willingness to compete outside Formula 1 has set him apart from many of his peers. In modern times, few F1 drivers enter races in other series, especially with today’s calendar packed with far more events than in previous decades. The Dutchman’s passion for racing makes him a rare exception.
Two consecutive wins in two different categories
That enthusiasm, combined with his immense talent, meant Verstappen achieved something last seen more than fifty years ago. Winning at his debut in the NLS, the Red Bull driver equaled a record dating back to 1972. His triumph at the Nürburgring came just one week after standing on the top step of the podium in Baku, making it two victories in two consecutive weekends across two different categories of motorsport.
The last time such an achievement was recorded was in 1972 by Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. On July 23 of that year, Ickx, racing alongside Mario Andretti, won the 6 Hours of Watkins Glen with the Ferrari 312PB. Just one week later, on July 30, he returned to Formula 1 and claimed victory at the German Grand Prix, also driving for Ferrari. Max Verstappen’s latest feat places him alongside the legendary Belgian in this very exclusive club of drivers who have proven their versatility at the highest levels of racing.
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