Ralf Schumacher Criticizes Max Verstappen for R...read more

Ralf Schumacher Scolds Max Verstappen Over ‘Dangerous’ Nurburgring Appearance

Max Verstappen’s unexpected appearance at the iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife has sparked controversy, with former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher condemning the move as reckless and unnecessary.

Fresh off his Miami Grand Prix win and the recent birth of his daughter Lily, Verstappen took to the historic German circuit behind the wheel of a Ferrari GT3 car, using the pseudonym Franz Hermann. The surprise outing left some fans and pundits thrilled—but Schumacher was not among them.

“If I were his team principal, I’d be questioning his judgment,” Schumacher said on Backstage Boxengasse. “Choosing to drive on the Nordschleife, of all tracks, isn’t particularly wise.”

While ex-driver Timo Glock praised Verstappen’s skill and daring, Schumacher raised concerns over the risks involved. “Many people don’t want to hear this, but the Nordschleife is extremely dangerous—especially with modern performance levels and high speeds,” he warned.

Unofficial reports claim Verstappen clocked a lap time of 7 minutes and 53 seconds, though no official timing was recorded.

Despite Glock suggesting that Verstappen’s performance impressed those in the paddock, Schumacher stressed how easily things could have taken a wrong turn. He pointed to the historic ban of DTM races on the same track due to safety issues.

“GT3 cars today are incredibly fast, and everything happens in tight margins,” Schumacher added. “Accidents can occur in an instant. Doing something like this elsewhere might be fine, but the Nordschleife remains one of the most dangerous and challenging circuits in the world.”

Verstappen has yet to respond publicly to the criticism.