Maylander Praises Verstappen GT3 Rise
Formula 1 safety car driver Bernd Mayländer has offered high praise for Max Verstappen following the reigning world champion’s growing involvement in GT racing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, describing the Dutchman’s performances as “fantastic” and emblematic of pure motorsport passion.
Mayländer, who himself boasts victory in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and extensive experience across endurance machinery, shared his thoughts during an appearance on the F1 Beyond The Grid podcast. He highlighted both the similarities and fundamental differences between the machinery used in modern GT racing and the vehicles he pilots in his official F1 safety role.
“Proper racing cars, but different worlds”
Discussing Verstappen’s recent outings in GT3 machinery at the Nordschleife, Mayländer emphasised that while there are conceptual parallels between road-derived performance cars and GT3 racers, the reality is far more specialised.
“The basics are somewhat similar—engine layout, balance, weight distribution—but a GT3 car is a proper racing machine,” he explained. “It’s designed purely for the circuit, with far more downforce and less weight.”
By contrast, the Mercedes-AMG vehicle used for Formula 1 safety interventions is fundamentally different in philosophy.
Safety car vs GT3 machinery
| Aspect | GT3 Car | F1 Safety Car |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Competitive racing | Race neutralisation |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Tyres | Slick racing tyres | Road tyres |
| Power output | Lower | ~200 hp more |
| Aerodynamics | High downforce | Road-derived |
Mayländer noted that despite occasional assumptions of similarity, the roles and engineering priorities diverge significantly. “In the end, we are not racing. We are there to ensure safety. That changes everything,” he said.
Verstappen’s Nordschleife appeal
What has particularly impressed Mayländer, however, is Verstappen’s willingness to embrace one of motorsport’s most demanding circuits—the Nordschleife, often referred to as the “Green Hell”.
“Everyone in motorsport is watching what he is doing there,” Mayländer said. “It’s pure racing. It’s extremely difficult to overtake and requires a lot of patience and precision.”
He also reflected on his own formative experiences at the circuit, noting that it has long been a proving ground for drivers seeking to master car control at high speed.
“That track teaches you everything,” he said. “It’s not always safe, but it makes you better.”
“Fantastic to see”
Mayländer concluded by praising Verstappen’s commitment to exploring endurance and GT racing alongside his Formula 1 career.
“He’s doing a fantastic job up there,” he said. “It’s great for the sport. People love seeing drivers push themselves in different disciplines. It’s real racing, and it shows real passion.”
Verstappen is expected to continue his GT programme at the Nürburgring as interest in his endurance ambitions continues to grow across the motorsport world.
