[Saba Sports News] Max Verstappen, the four-time F1 World Champion, led the No.3 team in the recently concluded Nürburgring 24 Hours. The side narrowly missed the title due to a driveshaft failure on their car. Though they failed to claim the top honour, Verstappen delivered a dominant performance throughout the weekend and demonstrated strong professionalism, winning admiration across the paddock and from his teammates.
Recently, his teammate Daniel Juncadella revealed an untold story ahead of the race. Under the team’s original race strategy, Verstappen was set to take the start. Yet the four-time champion, known for his tough driving style and aggressive approach, requested a last-minute driver change shortly before the race, fearing he could not hold back his competitive instincts.
Juncadella explained that Verstappen took part in all practice sessions and was confirmed as the starting driver after qualifying. However, on the night before the main race, Verstappen privately asked him to take over the starting duties. Verstappen said he was well aware of his personality flaws. Given the gruelling 24-hour endurance race, if he found himself in fourth place on the opening lap, he would inevitably fight wheel-to-wheel with every car ahead. To play it safe, a driver switch was necessary. Juncadella eventually got behind the wheel for the start.
In my opinion, there is an inherent gap between GT cars and F1 machinery. As a newcomer to endurance racing, Verstappen posted elite lap times on the Nürburgring, nicknamed the “Green Hell”, right from his debut, keeping pace with professional GT drivers effortlessly — a display of extraordinary natural talent. Even so, he lacks the race experience of full-time GT competitors. His decision to step aside from the starting role was undoubtedly a wise choice for this endurance event.