Max Verstappen slammed for ‘incredibly dangerous’ decision ahead of F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix by Ralf Schumacher
MAX VERSTAPPEN has been blasted for his “incredibly dangerous” decision to race under a secret identity at one of motorsport’s deadliest circuits.
The reigning world champion went incognito last week to test a Ferrari 296 GT3 at the official session ahead of the third round of the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS).
Racing under the name ‘Franz Hermann’, he was seen running with the Emil Frey Racing team, who employ Thierry Vermeulen, son of Verstappen’s manager, Raymond.
However, Verstappen – who celebrated becoming a dad before the Miami Grand Prix – has been slammed by former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher for racing at such a dangerous track.
The German ace gave his view on the Dutchman’s appearance while on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, saying: “If I had been the team principal, I’d have asked Verstappen if he’s still all there.
“To do something like that on the Nordschleife of all places is not very smart. I know, for many, it’s a viewpoint they don’t want to hear, but I find the Nordschleife incredibly dangerous.
“That’s just the way it is, especially at this level and at these speeds.”
The Nurburgring Nordschleife is one of the most deadly circuits not only in F1, but in motorsport history.
The Nordschleife – which at 12.9 miles is the longest permanent racetrack in the world – was dubbed the “green hell” by Sir Jackie Stewart, while there are estimated to have been at least 70 reported deaths there.
Three-time F1 champion Niki Lauda suffered severe burns during a terrifying crash at the track in 1976, which had come after he had protested against the race going ahead on safety grounds.
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Recalling his time on the circuit, Schumacher said: “I then think back to when DTM races were banned here because those cars were going too fast, but today’s GT3 cars are also insanely fast and everything happens neck-and-neck.
“Something happens faster than you think. Doing this somewhere else, OK, but for most people the Nordschleife still represents the biggest challenge.”
Following the test there, Verstappen will now be focused on the Emilia Romagna GP.
The 27 year old trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by 32 points.
Red Bull have brought a major upgrade package to Imola including a dramatic overhaul of the sidepod design as F1 kicks off a European triple-header of races.
Speaking to media before the race, Verstappen said: “The team has been working really hard, and we will need to hit the ground running.
“Imola is a really old school and iconic track that is really technical, and I always enjoy racing here.
“It is difficult to overtake, so qualifying will be key here.”
Verstappen has won each of the last three races at the track dating back to 2021, with the 2023 race not being held due to floods in the region surrounding the circuit.