Marko reveals why Verstappen is barred from Nurburgring event

Verstappen grounded by Helmut Marko

Red Bull has ruled out the participation of its current F1 driver, Max Verstappen, in the upcoming Red Bull Formula Nurburgring event, citing concerns over pushing the boundaries of speed.

Verstappen's absence from this prestigious event comes as the Dutch driver seeks his third World Championship.

Helmut Marko, the brain behind Red Bull's strategy, expressed these concerns, pointing out that Verstappen is known for his record-chasing attitude.

"We all know Max," he said, as reported by AMuS. "First, he would have checked what the record was."

"Of course, he wouldn’t want to beat that just by a second. Those cars aren’t suited for chasing records. It’s too dangerous."

The standing record at the Nordschleife is a blistering 5:19.546, set by Timo Bernhard in a modified Porsche 919 Hybrid EVO.

Verstappen: eager but restrained

Verstappen expressed his disappointment at being ruled out.

"I wanted to do it, but I was not allowed by Helmut," Verstappen told reporters in Canada.

"He knew that I would try and go to the limits. I didn’t want to start unnecessary issues."

Vettel and Ricciardo to take the stage

Despite Verstappen's absence, the Red Bull Formula Nurburgring event is set to see Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel return to the track.

Vettel, the retired F1 driver, has been given the go-ahead to take part in a modified version of the RB7 that runs on carbon-neutral, synthetic e-fuel.

Motorsport remains a passion for Vettel.

Vettel confirming the news himself. pic.twitter.com/x8ZUrG9ITO https://t.co/b56MdcVCWa

— F1News.live (@f1newslive_) June 14, 2023

"It’s vital to me to demonstrate that racing cars can perform equally well and rapidly on synthetic, such as CO2-neutral fuel."

This is no longer a future concept; it’s happening right now,” Vettel stated, emphasizing the ongoing shift in the automotive industry.