F1 News: Max Verstappen Caught Testing With Ferrari - But It's Not What It Seems

Verstappen is stretching into other niches within the motorsport industry.

In a surprising turn of events, Max Verstappen tested a Ferrari at the Mugello circuit, not for Formula 1 but to mentor Thierry Vermeulen. Verstappen's guidance in the GT racing world highlights his diverse racing interests and commitment to nurturing young talent.

Key Takeaways:

• Mentoring Beyond F1: Max Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing triple world champion, took an unusual step by testing a Ferrari 296 GT3 at Mugello. This was not for his F1 commitments but to mentor Thierry Vermeulen, the son of his manager Raymond Vermeulen, who races under the Verstappen.com brand in a Ferrari GT car.
• Valuable Insights from a Champion: Verstappen's involvement offered invaluable feedback for Thierry. Raymond Vermeulen, quoted by Swiss magazine Blick, acknowledged Max's helpful tips after just a few laps, underlining the importance of experienced guidance in motorsports.
• A Different Racing Path for Thierry: Despite this high-profile mentorship, Thierry Vermeulen has no ambitions for Formula 1. As Raymond Vermeulen stated, they are focusing on other racing categories, acknowledging the steep and challenging nature of the F1 ascent.

Red Bull Press Image

Max Verstappen, renowned for his Formula 1 prowess with Red Bull Racing, recently took to the Mugello circuit in an unexpected racing car- a Ferrari 296 GT3. This test, however, was not a crossover to Ferrari's F1 team but a mentorship role for Thierry Vermeulen, a young racer under the Verstappen.com banner and son of Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen.

The 21-year-old Thierry is making strides in the world of GT racing, a path distinctly different from the Formula 1 trajectory. Verstappen's role as a mentor is a testament to his versatile interest in racing and his commitment to fostering new talent, which he's shown us through his brand Verstappen.com. 

By sharing his extensive experience and insights, Verstappen provides an invaluable resource to Thierry. Raymond Vermeulen's words to Blick magazine state:

"Formula 1 is not a goal for us. I know the way up, and the air is far too rarefied for that. So we will stay away from that. There are other interesting categories in racing," he said.

Verstappen, always keen to get behind the wheel of other racing cars, said:

"I am happy to help Thierry. "We are like a big family, and I am also a GT and sim racing fan." 

Helmut Marko also shared how impressed he is with the Dutchman who's taken home his third consecutive world championship win this season:

"One day, Max will set up his own GT team. He is just a real racer."