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Helmut Marko Amazed by Max Verstappen’s Secret Nürburgring Test: ‘Smashed Lap Record by Two Seconds’

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen has once again left the motorsport world in awe—this time away from the Formula 1 grid. The four-time world champion made a surprise appearance at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife last week, where he reportedly smashed the GT3 lap record during a discreet test session.

Verstappen took to the track under the alias Franz Hermann, completing several laps in a GT3 car. While no official lap times have been published, renowned track expert Misha Charoudin suggested that the Dutchman set a new lap record for the GT3 class.

Speaking to Kronen Zeitung, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed Verstappen’s record-breaking feat after speaking directly with him.

“GT racing is his great love and he has his own team,” said Marko. “He told me that he beat a record by two seconds after just three laps, knew every one of his lap times and everything about the suspension. He was almost more into the details than he was with his Formula 1 car.”

Despite having never driven the Nordschleife in real life before, Verstappen’s sim racing experience proved invaluable. Marko praised his protégé’s deep involvement in both the technical aspects of racing and talent development.

“He runs a sim racing team and now he wants to put one of his best drivers in a GT car,” Marko continued. “That’s active promotion of young talent. Because nowadays a whole season in karting costs a quarter of a million euros. And what does the equipment for sim racing cost? Maybe €30,000 to €50,000 in total.”

Marko also revealed that Verstappen is involved in developing simulation software used by Formula 2 and Formula 3 teams, further highlighting his commitment to racing beyond the F1 spotlight.

As the F1 season continues, Verstappen’s Nurburgring achievement adds yet another remarkable chapter to an already storied career—and shows that his passion for racing goes well beyond the Grand Prix circuits.