The Formula 1 world was recently shaken by Max Verstappen’s controversial test at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, a circuit known as one of the most challenging and dangerous in the world. Former Formula 1 driver and analyst Ralf Schumacher sharply criticized the four-time world champion for taking part in a GT3 test at the infamous circuit. In Sky Sports Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast, broadcast on May 14, 2025, Schumacher called Verstappen’s actions “not smart” and “incredibly dangerous.” He stated that, as Verstappen’s team boss, he would have asked him to stay home. Verstappen responded almost immediately with an official statement defending his motives and downplaying Schumacher’s criticism, further fueling the debate.
Verstappen, who took part in the test on May 9, 2025 under the pseudonym Franz Hermann, drove a Ferrari 296 GT3, dressed in the colors of his own Verstappen.com Racing team. According to Auto Motor und Sport , the purpose of the test was to obtain his Nordschleife license, a requirement for participation in the iconic 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. Despite his efforts to remain unnoticed, Verstappen was quickly identified by his helmet and racing suit. Timo Glock, who was also present at the test, praised Verstappen’s performance in the podcast, noting that the Dutchman was already setting competitive times on his first or second lap. The impressive results underline Verstappen’s versatile talent, but failed to allay Schumacher’s concerns.
Schumacher, brother of F1 legend Michael Schumacher, highlighted the risks of the Nordschleife, nicknamed the ‘Green Hell’ for its narrow roads, blind bends and elevation changes. “The bends come faster than you expect and one mistake can be fatal,” he said. He pointed out the dangers for a driver of Verstappen’s calibre, who currently sits third in the Formula 1 championship with 99 points, behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Schumacher suggested that Red Bull team boss Christian Horner was probably unhappy with the test, a sentiment reinforced by Helmut Marko’s comments to Formule1nieuws.nl . Marko stated that such risky tests do not fit in with Red Bull’s strategy, which is primarily focused on keeping its drivers safe.
Verstappen’s official response came via a Red Bull Racing press release on May 14, 2025, in which he acknowledged Schumacher’s criticism but stressed that the test had been carefully planned. “I am aware of the risks of the Nordschleife, but this was a controlled environment with professional guidance,” Verstappen said. He added that his passion for GT3 racing and his commitment to his own team motivate him to take on new challenges. Verstappen also pointed to his preparation, including extensive simulator training, which Glock said contributed to his quick adaptation to the track. The statement seemed intended to allay concerns, but fans on X remained divided. Users such as @F1FanNL praised Verstappen’s courage, while others, such as @Dorapeinet, felt he was taking unnecessary risks.
The test comes at a sensitive time for Verstappen, who will struggle with a less competitive Red Bull RB21 in 2025. According to GP33 , the car is losing up to seven-tenths per lap to the McLaren MCL39, threatening Verstappen’s chances of a fifth title. Ralf Schumacher has previously warned that Verstappen could leave Red Bull if performance does not improve, with rumours of interest from Mercedes, Aston Martin and even Alpine. The Nürburgring test, while not directly related to his Formula 1 future, has fuelled speculation about his long-term plans, particularly given his ambition to compete in endurance racing.
For Red Bull, the situation is precarious. The team is facing internal challenges following the departure of key figures such as Adrian Newey, and Verstappen’s test has exposed tensions within the camp. Horner has yet to speak publicly on the matter, but the comments from Schumacher and Marko suggest a need for clearer guidelines for Verstappen’s sideline activities. Meanwhile, the Nordschleife test remains a symbol of Verstappen’s fearlessness, but also of the risks that come with his boundless ambition. As Formula 1 gears up for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, the question lingers: was Verstappen’s test a calculated risk or a reckless move?
