A few hours before his highly anticipated debut at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, Max Verstappen is already receiving praise from the endurance paddock. António Félix da Costa believes the Red Bull driver deserves immense respect for daring to take on such a challenge.
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The arrival of Max Verstappen at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring clearly does not go unnoticed. The four-time F1 world champion draws considerable attention to the German event, to the point of contributing to a record enthusiasm around the event.
But beyond the media impact, several experienced drivers especially praise the sporting approach of the Dutchman. This is notably the case of António Félix da Costa, official Jaguar driver in Formula E and also engaged in endurance with Alpine.
The Portuguese, close to Verstappen, knows perfectly well the demands of the Nordschleife, having himself participated in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 2017. And according to him, the Red Bull driver deserves a lot of credit for accepting to compete against the GT3 specialists.
“I love to see that” explained da Costa about Verstappen’s participation.
A return to the old school of versatile drivers
For António Félix da Costa, Verstappen especially recalls a time when Formula 1 drivers did not hesitate to race in several disciplines simultaneously.
Over the years, this tradition had almost completely disappeared with increasingly busy calendars and F1 teams much more protective of their drivers. Yet, some recent names have shown that it is still possible to step outside the usual framework.
The Portuguese notably mentioned the example of Nico Hülkenberg, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans on his first participation in 2015, as a symbol of this regained versatility.
“A long time ago, F1 drivers regularly participated in other championships. Then it gradually disappeared” recalled da Costa.
“Seeing Nico Hülkenberg win Le Mans on his first attempt was incredible. And now, there is Max doing the same in his own way.”
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Verstappen chooses passion over prestige
What particularly impresses da Costa is the Dutchman’s choice to turn to GT3 rather than more prestigious categories like Hypercar or IndyCar.
For several years, Verstappen has nurtured his passion for endurance and GT racing through sim racing, but also with his own structure. His involvement in the development of young drivers, like Chris Lulham, also reflects this growing interest.
“What he does with Chris Lulham is really very cool, emphasized the Portuguese driver. Usually, F1 drivers tend to go towards IndyCar, LMP1 or Hypercar. Max, he simply chose what makes him happy.”
“You have to respect what he does”
Da Costa believes Verstappen deserves respect for accepting to face some of the best GT specialists in the world on a circuit as formidable as the Nordschleife.
The Red Bull driver will actually start from an excellent fourth position on the grid with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 of Team Verstappen, shared with Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer.
“You have to respect that, insists da Costa. He mixes with some of the best GT drivers in the world, and he is immediately ahead. But honestly, it surprises no one.”
A race as unpredictable as it is legendary
Even with his immense talent, Verstappen will discover a particularly ruthless event. The 24 Hours of Nürburgring are known for their unpredictability, with sudden weather changes, hundreds of overtakes and frequent incidents.
Da Costa knows perfectly well how chaotic this race can become despite a fast car.
“I have already participated in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, and it is a completely crazy race, he concluded. Speed is essential, but there are so many things out of your control. That is what makes a victory there even more special.”