Max Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing triple world champion, made headlines when he took an unusual step: testing a Ferrari 296 GT3 at Mugello. However, this test wasn’t part of his Formula 1 commitments. Instead, it served a different purpose altogether.
Max (Verstappen) also tested your Ferrari once. Tell us what that was like and how that helped.
Thierry Vermeulen: "That moment last year was extremely important. I think it was one of the most important days of my entire season." https://t.co/PYzOcC6QI9
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) May 29, 2024
Max Verstappen’s test with the Ferrari GT3 car was not about chasing lap records or competing against other drivers. Instead, it was a mentoring opportunity. The young Dutchman aimed to support Thierry Vermeulen, the son of his manager, Raymond Vermeulen. Thierry races under the Verstappen.com brand in a Ferrari GT car, and this test provided valuable insights for his development.
The test wasn’t merely a joyous day on the track. Verstappen collaborated closely with Emil Frey Racing, executing an extensive testing program. The team explored various setups and had clearly defined goals. Leveraging Verstappen’s wealth of Formula 1 experience, they sought to enhance the performance of the 21-year-old Vermeulen.
Verstappen’s feedback was crucial. According to team boss Lorenz Frey-Hilti, the aim was to improve performance by incorporating Max’s insights. It wasn’t just about speed; it was about fine-tuning the car’s behavior, handling, and responsiveness.
Max Verstappen’s Boredom After Challenging Monaco Weekend After Losing to Ferrari
The Red Bull Racing sensation arrived in Monaco with an impressive track record. Having secured victories in four out of the seven Grands Prix held up to that point in the 2024 season, he was a force to be reckoned with. However, the tight, twisty streets of Monte Carlo posed a unique challenge for both Verstappen and his RB20 car.
As the sessions unfolded, Verstappen faced difficulties. He couldn’t finished higher than sixth on the grid, trailing behind the Ferraris, McLarens, and George Russell’s Mercedes. The RB20 grappled with the bumpy and curvy circuit, making it a tough weekend for the Dutch driver.
During the race, Max Verstappen expressed his frustration. He described the Monaco Grand Prix as “not really exciting.” The lack of overtaking opportunities on the narrow streets meant that everyone drove cautiously, preserving their tires. Verstappen summed it up succinctly: “It’s a bit of a shame.”
Max Verstappen’s hopes of making progress on race day were further dashed when an early red flag disrupted his strategy. Initially planning to start on the more durable hard tires, he had to switch to the more aggressive mediums due to the red flag. Meanwhile, the Ferraris and McLarens, all on mediums, capitalized on the free pit stops and cruised to the finish line with relative ease.
READ MORE: Christian Horner Optimistic Despite Challenges ‘It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint’
