Just like Verstappen at the Nordschleife? It's a no-go for these F1 Drivers!

07:30, 17 May

byLudo van Denderen

If Oliver Bearman and Esteban hoped to test at the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring in a GT3 car just like Max Verstappen, they would be sorely disappointed. They are not Max Verstappen, after all, so their Haas F1 team principal sees no reason for it.

When it became clear that Max Verstappen spent a day racing on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring, some were surprised: Why does Red Bull Racing allow the Dutchman to race on that dangerous track, risking accidents and injuries?

Ayao Komatsu, the team principal of Haas F1, told GPblog that his drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman are not allowed to race outside of Formula 1. “Max is a multiple world champion, right? Ollie is a rookie. Even Esteban, he's got still lots to prove. He's focused. What's the benefit of them racing in other races?" the Japanese asked rhetorically.

Haas F1 team boss Ayao Komatsu

'F1 is Fun Enough'

For Max Verstappen, at least, it was about having fun. Komatsu responds: “They have fun driving an F1 car. They're pretty lucky that they're driving an F1 car for their job. That's lots of fun."

“Honestly, they're just focused on what's busy enough, really. In between these 24 races, it's not like we haven't got enough races, right? And in 24 races, they need to look after their physical and mental condition. In between them, they have to work with engineers, simulators, it's not like they're sitting at home thinking about what to do. They've got plenty on their hands."