Last Updated on April 20 2026, 3:44 pm
Max Verstappen’s recent GT racing appearances have achieved what his Formula 1 performances rarely do anymore: left even the most experienced of rivals perplexed. During last weekend’s event at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the Dutchman displayed an extraordinary capacity to remain in close proximity to other cars in corners where ‘dirty air’ typically compels drivers to slow down.
According to his teammate, Daniel Juncadella, Verstappen uses a specific technique to reduce the impact of turbulence, but exactly how he does this remains unclear.
The four-time Formula 1 world champion was in Germany preparing for next month’s Nürburgring 24 Hours, where the anticipation surrounding his GT debut is already sky-high. He was comfortably in the lead during qualifying, but damage to his car triggered a lengthy pit stop that ultimately cost him a potential victory. Nevertheless, his pace and adaptability stood out immediately, reinforcing the idea that Verstappen’s talent extends far beyond single-seater machinery.
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Unusually close in dirty air conditions
The most intriguing observation came from how Verstappen positioned his car in traffic. Juncadella noted that he was able to remain ‘unusually close’ to competitors in sections where aerodynamic turbulence would typically destroy front-end grip.
On the Nordschleife, that is no small feat. The circuit’s long, fast corners amplify the effects of dirty air, so drivers usually increase their following distance to preserve tyre life and maintain stability. However, Verstappen appeared to ignore this limitation entirely, staying tucked in where others would normally drop back.
NLS commentator Peter Mackay suggested that Verstappen may have ‘found a weak spot in the turbulent slipstream, allowing him to drive closer without destroying the front tyres’. But even that explanation only describes the outcome, not the mechanism. What Verstappen is actually doing inside the cockpit remains open to interpretation.
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Theories, techniques and scepticism
One widely discussed theory is that Verstappen deliberately unsettles the rear of the car in corners to reduce sensitivity to front-axle load in dirty air. In simple terms, by allowing slight oversteer, the car can rotate in a way that reduces the aerodynamic disturbance felt at the front.
However, this idea is not universally accepted. Jeroen Bleekemolen, winner of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, is among those who remain sceptical. He suggests that there is nothing fundamentally ‘new’ in what Verstappen is doing, at least not in a technical sense that other GT drivers would be unaware of.
According to several insiders, the more likely explanation is a combination of extremely refined overlap braking and throttle control. This technique involves using both pedals simultaneously to stabilise the car mid-corner while managing weight transfer. While not unique to Verstappen, the precision with which he applies it sets him apart.
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The aerodynamic puzzle behind GT racing
Verstappen’s driving style also highlights a key difference between Formula 1 and GT racing. In Formula 1, following another car closely can result in a loss of up to 40% downforce due to disturbed airflow. Although modern regulations introduced ground-effect floors in 2022 to mitigate this issue, it still exists.
GT cars, however, are even more sensitive in certain conditions. With their less sophisticated aerodynamics and greater reliance on mechanical grip, they are more susceptible to turbulence, which can destabilise the car earlier and more unpredictably — especially on a demanding circuit like the Nordschleife.
This is why Verstappen’s apparent ability to remain stable in these conditions is so impressive. Whether this is due to car setup, driving style or simply extraordinary feel, the effect is undeniable, even if the cause remains debated.
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Risk versus reward on the Nordschleife
Some theories suggest that Verstappen is deliberately allowing controlled rear movement to improve front-end stability. However, GT veteran Bleekemolen warns that such an approach comes at a clear cost in terms of time.
Every controlled slide costs speed. On a 25-kilometre lap featuring more than 70 corners, even minor inefficiencies quickly add up. The Nordschleife does not forgive unnecessary risk-taking unless it produces a clear advantage.
Nevertheless, Verstappen’s method — whatever its exact form — appears to generate results. The key may lie in his ability to combine aggression with precision, pushing the limits without crossing them. Achieving that balance is notoriously difficult, particularly in traffic.
From Formula 1 dominance to 2026 struggles
The contrast with his current situation in Formula 1 could hardly be sharper. He finished 2025 with three consecutive victories in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Las Vegas, bringing his career win tally to 71. Over nine seasons, that represents sustained dominance at the highest level.
However, the beginning of the 2026 season has told a very different story. After the opening phase of the season, Verstappen sits ninth in the championship with just 12 points, while Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli leads with 72. Red Bull has struggled with the introduction of new technical regulations, reminiscent of the disruption they experienced during the 2014 hybrid transition.
In this context, Verstappen’s GT performances almost feel symbolic. In Formula 1, he is hampered by machinery that is currently uncompetitive. In GT racing, however, driver skill plays a much larger role, and he is still able to excel.
The mystery may only be solved in endurance racing
Whether Verstappen’s technique is truly innovative or simply executed at an elite level remains unanswered. Juncadella’s comments suggest there is something noticeable about his driving, yet even experienced GT professionals cannot fully explain it.
The Nürburgring 24 Hours in May may provide more clarity. During a full endurance race, teams and engineers will have far more data and on-track exposure with which to analyse his behaviour in detail. Only then might the paddock begin to understand whether Verstappen has discovered a genuine advantage — or simply perfected what others already know.
For now, the mystery continues. And, in typical Verstappen fashion, this only makes him more intriguing to watch.
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A senior writer at TJ13, C.J. Alderson serves as Senior Editor and newsroom coordinator, with a background in online sports reporting and motorsport magazine editing. Alderson’s professional training in media studies and experience managing content teams ensures TJ13 maintains consistency of voice and credibility. During race weekends, Alderson acts as desk lead, directing contributors and smoothing breaking stories for publication.
