Max Verstappen’s Nürburgring exploits admired across Formula 1, but not so much by Lewis Hamilton

Fresh from reports of Verstappen’s starring role at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, where the Verstappen Racing Mercedes AMG GT3 fought for victory before a late driveshaft failure, Formula 1 drivers were asked in Montreal what they made of the reigning World Champion’s exploits around the legendary German circuit.

The Red Bull driver had stunned many with his pace and commitment across the gruelling event, making bold overtakes in traffic through the night while running among the leaders for much of the race before mechanical heartbreak ended the challenge with around three hours remaining.

Lance Stroll was among those impressed by Verstappen’s performance and commitment. “I didn’t watch the whole 24 hours. In fact, I saw some highlights and, you know, for sure, hats off. He’s so talented and so fast and so brave.”

Stroll was particularly struck by Verstappen’s aggressive racecraft around the Nordschleife: “I saw he was making some crazy moves in the middle of the night and was super quick behind the wheel whenever he was behind the wheel. So yeah, it’s fun.”

The Aston Martin driver also revealed he enjoys GT racing himself during Formula 1 breaks: “I think when we have breaks, you know, I have a GT3 car for track days and stuff, just for fun. So, it’s always cool driving different things. He was good. It was fun to watch.”

Pierre Gasly admitted Verstappen’s Nürburgring run had been impossible to ignore across social media and within the paddock: “It was hard not to follow it, to be fair. I found it pretty cool. I respect the performance, the commitment.”

The Alpine driver said Verstappen’s pace came as no surprise given the level he continues to show across all forms of racing machinery: “I’d love to do the race as well and actually compete in the same way. I thought he was very unlucky. Obviously just showed the level at which he is at the moment, and I had no surprise to see him very competitive in that category and in that field.”

Gasly also highlighted the viral clips that circulated online throughout the weekend: “There have been a couple of great highlights all over social media and stuff like that. I thought it was really cool.”

George Russell also praised Verstappen’s performance and admitted the Nürburgring and other major endurance events remain attractive possibilities for the future. To be honest, like Pierre said, watching Max at the weekend was pretty cool to see. I’ve followed the race in the past and those 24 hour races – there, Bathurst as well – they’re just brutal races.”

Russell, however, pointed out that Verstappen’s current position in Formula 1 gives him more freedom: “All of us are in a slightly different position to Max. Obviously, we’re also pursuing to win a World Championship, but obviously he’s in a luxurious position to do what he enjoys. And yeah, that’s great for him. And he did a great job.”

Hamilton’s reaction stood apart from the widespread enthusiasm surrounding Verstappen’s Nürburgring adventure. The Briton, a fashionista and art lover, traditionally prefers spending his downtime at VIP events or on red carpets, rather than black tarmac.

Asked whether Verstappen’s performance made him want to try the 24H Nürburgring himself, Hamilton replied bluntly: “Not particularly, no.”

The Ferrari driver admitted the Nordschleife itself still appeals to him, but stopped short of expressing any desire to enter endurance racing: “There’s definitely a part of me… I mean, I love the Nordschleife, so I would love to drive a car around there at some stage

“And I mean, the racing looks fantastic. But I don’t know. Could do, don’t need to," Hamilton explained.

The seven-time F1 World Champion's response contrasted sharply with the admiration and enthusiasm expressed elsewhere in the paddock after Verstappen’s mega Nürburgring performance further strengthened his growing reputation as the best (and most admired) race driver in the world.

Records show that Verstappen's Mercedes AMG GT3 led a substantial portion of the race, with Verstappen working wonders during his stints that always left his teammates Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella in good stead.

After the Dutchman's second run in the cockpit, a triple stint whereby he handed the Red Bull-backed car over to Juncadella with a 35-seconds lead. But a driveshaft issue struck the #3 car. And after inspection in the pits, they retired the car. 
(Reporting by Agnes Carlier in Montreal)