F1 rivals jealous of Max Verstappen as George Russell request blocked | F1 | Sport
Verstappen has endured a dismal start to the Formula One season, with the Dutchman yet to have finished on the podium in any of the four races so far. Instead, Verstappen has been finding joy in a different type of event, having been competing in GT endurance racing.
Verstappen is set to feature at this weekend’s Nurburgring 24 Hours, and such is his competitive nature, has eyes on taking the top prize. However, his inclusion is said to have caused some jealousy in the Formula One paddock, with rivals looking over with a tinge of envy.
McLaren‘s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri recently drove the Nordschleife earlier this year for a tyre test, with the former having dubbed it “the most fun” he’s had all year. Referencing Verstappen’s endeavours, Norris said: “It was the most fun I’ve had all year to be honest. It’s a circuit I’ve driven on Gran Turismo and iRacing. It’s one of those tracks that everyone just wants to drive. Whether you’re a racing driver or not it’s just always cool to go and do that because it’s so unique. I felt I was lucky.
“I’ve also been watching all of the onboards. I knew the track by heart already, but I’ve been watching all the GT races that Max has been doing… I’ll be watching maybe not the whole 24 hours, but as much as possible and spotting Max because he’s a guy that I respect a lot. I’ve enjoyed watching him and Christopher Haase racing the last few weeks.”
Haas driver Oliver Bearman has committed to watching it, while Mercedes ace George Russell has also set his eyes on competing down the line. His request to team boss Toto Wolff to drive a Formula One car around it, last done by Sebastian Vettel in a Red Bull in 2023, has yet to be given the green light.
Russell said: “I did watch Max’s race in the Nordschleife. I’d love to do it, without a doubt. I have driven it before; I’ve driven hundreds of laps on the sim around the Nordschleife. I don’t know when the day will be.
“I did once try having a conversation with Toto about putting the Formula One car around there and breaking the all-time lap record. Right now, I’m focused on trying to win a Formula One world championship and hopefully, when I’ve got four under my belt, I’ll go and race the Nordschleife and during my Formula One season too.”
