Max Verstappen responds to Maro Engel on his Nürburgring record

Si Max Verstappen wanted to go unnoticed during the NLS test session on the Nordschleife last week by using the pseudonym Franz Herrmann, but it failed. Unmasked while driving on the Ferrari 296 GT3 of the Emil Frey Racing team, notably alongside Thierry Vermeulen, the Dutchman has been the subject of much discussion and speculation since then. In particular, regarding an alleged record he may have broken, that of the NLS GT3 lap record previously held by Christian Krognes in 7:49.

The Norwegian had set this time in the race during the Nürburgring final Endurance Series (NLS) in 2022, driving a BMW M4 GT3. This time was set on the combined version of the circuit, 24,358 kilometers long, incorporating the Nordschleife and the Grand Prix track, used for both the NLS championship and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Alleged, because no official time is available from this session. We must therefore believe the words of the four-time world champion. Formula 1 and the stable advisor Red Bull, Helmut Marko, on this subject: Max Verstappen would have quickly lowered this mark by two to three seconds.

Verstappen: "Why would I go to an NLS track day with the wrong BoP?"

This topic has caused some GT drivers to react on social media. Winner of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 2015 with Audi, Laurens Vanthoor, thus cracked a "This Franz Hermann story... Where are the facts? I only see the media headlines." on his X account (ex-Twitter).

So this whole Franz Hermann story.. Where are the facts? I only see media headlines 😶

— Laurens Vanthoor (@VanthoorLaurens) May 16, 2025

Still on X, Maro Engel, holder of the absolute record for the Nordschleife in its 20,832 kilometer version with a time of 6:29 “090 at the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG ONE, also expressed himself: "To get to the topic at hand. A few facts about Franz Hermann's GT3 test on the Nordschleife: the car was driven with the Balance of Performance (BoP) specifications of the DTM (less weight, more power, lower ride height than NLS BoP). Lap time: 7:48. Still impressive for a first visit to the Green Hell. It would be cool to see Franz compete!

A post to which Max Verstappen was keen to respond. "False. Don't talk nonsense when you don't know how the car was set up and what our engine settings are. Why would I attend an NLS track day with the wrong BoP? Have a good day tomorrow.", retorted the Red Bull driver. "It seems the discussions in the paddock were misguided. Clearly you are in a better position to tell us what you did. Thank you and the same to you.", Engel replied in turn.

False. Don't spread things when you don't know how the car was setup and our engine settings. Why would I join an NLS track day with the wrong BOP. Have a good one tomorrow 👍

- Max Verstappen (@ Max33Verstappen) May 16, 2025

Seems like paddock chat was incorrect then. Your clearly in a better position to tell us what you want. Thnx and same to you 👍🏻

— Maro Engel (@MaroEngel) May 16, 2025

Conducting this test session in the wrong BoP window would indeed make little sense, especially if Max Verstappen is planning to participate in the final round of the NLS this season.

Verstappen: a record at the Nürburgring before the NLS at the end of the season?