Max Verstappen returned to action on the track, but outside his usual Formula 1 environment. The Dutchman encountered extreme conditions during a private test with a Mercedes GT3 car, in his preparation for the 24 Hours of Nurburgring at the iconic circuit. The driver faced intense cold and even snow while participating in activities with his GT3 team.
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The test took place at the challenging Nurburgring-Nordschleife circuit, over 20 km long in Germany, known as the “Green Hell”. The activity is part of the preparation for the traditional 24-hour race that will be held later this year on the same track.
Verstappen returned to the circuit with his team to conduct a private session, focused on adapting to the car and the track. However, weather conditions quickly became the main challenge of the day, with sudden changes during the laps.
In a video released on social media by Red Bull Germany, the driver described the moment when the situation became more complicated: “We were at full speed on the straight and, suddenly, it started snowing aggressively. I thought: ‘Ooooooh’, it looked like ice,” he said.
According to Verstappen, the low temperature quickly transformed the track surface: “It’s like ice, because it was very cold and then it turns into ice and I had to go carefully,” said the four-time F1 champion, smiling as he commented on the episode.
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Despite the adverse conditions, the session served as an important part of the preparation for the endurance race. The Nurburgring-Nordschleife circuit is known for its length and complexity, in addition to frequently presenting unpredictable weather, which increases the level of demand for drivers and teams.
The test also reinforces Verstappen’s interest in competing outside of Formula 1, something he has already mentioned on several other occasions. Participating in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring requires adaptation to different cars and a race format distinct from traditional Formula 1 races.
Even with snow and a slippery track, the Dutchman treated the situation naturally and highlighted that he preferred to reduce the pace and prioritize safety, ending the account with good humor after facing the extreme conditions during the session.
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