Verstappen made a strong impression on the instructor.

      Yesterday Max Verstappen made a fairly successful debut on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, competing in a four-hour race behind the wheel of a GT4-category Porsche Cayman, and obtained a German license that allows him to compete in the NLS series.

      Although no one doubted that Max's qualifications and experience allow him to pilot machinery of any power, rules are rules, and no exceptions were made even for the four-time world champion, so this weekend he had to undergo a course of theoretical training, after which he drove the track together with an instructor.

      Andreas Gülden took on that role, explaining to the famous newcomer some basic points related to the specifics of driving on the Nordschleife. Of course, Verstappen's skill and professionalism made a strong impression on him.

      "Driving a few laps ahead of the world champion was fantastically exciting!" Gülden told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. "Luckily I had a more powerful car; otherwise I might not have been able to hold position ahead of him…

      We spoke over the radio, and I gave him some advice, and toward the end we had a bit of fun on the track. His car was on slicks, while mine had regular road tyres, and I had to attack flat out. He thought it was a lot of fun — I think he enjoyed it too.

      During the track orientation bus ride he showed a lot of interest; for example, he asked which racing lines to take in the rain, and I told him about the different types of asphalt that make up the surface, as well as about the flag signaling system, because here it differs from other racing series.

      I suppose we learned something from each other; he's a great guy and a true motorsport enthusiast. It was nice to see him smiling behind the wheel when he was driving on the best racetrack in the world. Max made a very strong impression on me.

      Of course, no one doubts his driving skill. Behind the wheel he demonstrates incredible composure, and it was a great honor for me to work with the world champion."

      Now that Verstappen has the required license, he can compete on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in cars of the most powerful GT3 category. The first such race will take place on September 27, between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, so Max could well take part — most likely he will start in a Ferrari 296 GT3.