Max Verstappen Recalls Risky Nürburgring Move in 2025

Max Verstappen of Oracle Red Bull Racing has recalled a high-risk overtaking moment during his Nürburgring outing in 2025, admitting he believed viewers were “shitting themselves” while watching the onboard footage.

Verstappen competed in a GT3 race at the Nürburgring in September 2025, using a rare off-weekend from his Formula 1 commitments to remain race-sharp. Partnering Chris Lulham in a four-hour event, Verstappen secured victory, underlining an aggressive yet calculated approach that mirrors his Grand Prix racing style.

The defining incident came when Verstappen overtook a slower car with two wheels on the grass, a manoeuvre executed on a circuit known for narrow margins and abrupt grip changes. With parts of the track still affected by damp conditions, the move carried a heightened risk of losing traction, particularly given the different weight distribution and aerodynamic behaviour of GT3 machinery.

From a technical perspective, the Nürburgring’s variable surface places a premium on throttle modulation and steering precision. Verstappen maintained momentum by carefully balancing the car at the limit of adhesion, avoiding a snap loss of control despite the reduced grip available off the racing line.

“As soon as I went over the grass, I was like: ‘I know the onboard is on, and people are watching it,’” Verstappen said during a Q&A session with Team Redline.

“I am sure they are shitting themselves right now.”

The comment highlights Verstappen’s awareness of the spectacle created by modern onboard cameras, while also reflecting his confidence in operating at the edge of a car’s performance envelope. For Red Bull, such outings are viewed as a way for Verstappen to sustain competitive sharpness outside Formula 1 without conflicting with FIA regulations or team priorities.

“But it was fantastic, I had a lot of fun,” Verstappen added.

The Nürburgring episode reinforces Verstappen’s reputation for combining precision with controlled risk, characteristics that continue to define his driving as the Formula 1 season progresses. With championship pressures intensifying, his ability to judge and execute high-risk decisions remains a central factor in Red Bull’s competitive outlook.