“Didn’t Allow Me to Do It”: After Countless Acts of Defiance Against Red Bull, Max Verstappen Banned by Taskmaster Helmut Marko to Send a Clear Message

In 2023, Mad Max is slowly and gradually morphing into Menacing Max. We have seen countless instances of this menace throughout the season and in fact in 2022 as well. Max Verstappen usually showcases his menacing nature when asked to obey team orders. There are serious repercussions for disobeying orders. However, Verstappen has gotten away with it so far. Although, after countless such instances, with his latest transgression in Barcelona, the Dutchman received stern orders from Helmut Marko.

The Dutchman did not even receive these orders of denial for anything related to Formula 1. The Red Bull man wanted to take on the Nürburgring Nordschleife for the 12 Hours of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) in September. A race that features Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo. However, the current Red Bull world champion will focus his energies on racing in the premier class. Ordered by Helmut Marko, revealed by Verstappen, and quoted by Motorsport-Total.

“I wanted to do it, but Helmut didn’t allow me to do it,” said Verstappen. “He knew that I would try to push myself to the limit. I would have liked to have done it. I don’t want to cause unnecessary problems.” (Translated by Google)

He reveals the topic was already on everyone’s attention. “I had heard that this was going to come up. Helmut was sitting at the table when it was brought up and he said, ‘No, no, no, you don’t do it!'” He added.

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Many drivers have the ambition to compete in the endurance series, and Verstappen is among them. However, it seems he won’t be able to get a taste before he leaves F1. Although there’s no harm in discussing the scenarios for when he eventually does.

Max Verstappen reveals his ambitions in NLS and his dream scenario

The Dutchman has already taken part in multiple endurance race series, albeit all virtual. However, these virtual races are only satisfying his thirst for the real thing for the time being. He will get a taste of endurance racing once he leaves the sport and while disclosing the strict orders from Marko, he also revealed the things he would like to achieve once he takes on the series.

“I would have definitely tried it,” says Verstappen with a smile when asked about attempting to set the fastest time on the track. “But you don’t need the demo tires [that the teams have to race with], you need real [race] tires, which is not allowed.”

When asked about his dream scenario in the series, he said, “Ideally that would be fantastic in an F1 car. But if it’s not allowed in an F1 car, then maybe one day in a GT3 car.”

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It won’t be until 2028, however, with the passion Verstappen speaks about endurance racing. It’s a matter of when and not if. Will be as good as he is now? That only time will tell.