Risk of Verstappen's record Nordschleife test questioned

Red Bull's leadership may be uneasy about Max Verstappen's high-speed test at the Nurburgring's notorious Nordschleife last week, according to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher.

Verstappen, the four-time world champion, participated in a Nurburgring Langstrecken series (NLS) test session, driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 under the pseudonym 'Franz Hermann' for the Verstappen.com-Racing branded team.

Onboard footage from other cars captured the 27-year-old overtaking at remarkable speed, with reports suggesting he clocked a lap time of 7:47 - marginally quicker than the official GT3 record.

Schumacher believes Verstappen went even faster, stating to Sky Deutschland: "I think he did a 7:35. That's a really top time. It's really outstanding."

Former F1 driver Timo Glock praised Verstappen's adaptability, noting: "What I heard is that the first or second lap was already at the top level. He will have spent a lot of time in the simulator, but it proves his talent once again and how well he can adjust to a car."

The test is believed to be part of Verstappen's pursuit of a DMSB Permit Nordschleife, required for events like the Nurburgring 24 Hours, amid speculation he might take a 2026 sabbatical to race in GT3 categories while observing F1's new regulations.

Schumacher, however, dismissed the sabbatical idea, saying: "I can't imagine that.

"He has his own GT3 team already, but he also still has too much fun in Formula 1 to just leave. Look at how quickly he flew to Miami even though he had just become a father. That proves that he still likes doing it."

However, he expressed concern about the Nordschleife test's risks, adding: "Certainly if I was Max's team boss, I wouldn't find it that beneficial to drive on the Nordschleife.

"I know many people don't like to hear it, but I find it incredibly dangerous, especially when you're driving at such a high speed. But of course we know that Max can drive better than most others."