For Timo Glock, Max Verstappen has brought German motorsports back into the global spotlight with his debut on the Nordschleife—with tangible results
Former Formula 1 driver Timo Glock has highlighted the significance of Max Verstappen for German motorsports. Ahead of the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, Glock explained that the world champion’s participation puts the event in a completely new light and is giving the sport a massive boost in Germany.
On Thursday afternoon, the Nürburgring media center was bustling with activity as the drivers arrived for the official press conference. Among them was Timo Glock, who is driving the Dörr Motorsport McLaren 720S GT3 this year. His car, bearing start number 69, features a striking livery reminiscent of Michael Schumacher’s Benetton design from the 1995 world championship season.
Despite the variety of teams and drivers, there was one dominant topic: Max Verstappen. ” “We have to bow down before him,” Glock said during the press conference, clearly impressed by the Dutchman’s presence. In a follow-up conversation, the 91-time Grand Prix participant emphasized that Verstappen has played a major role in the current surge of interest surrounding the “Green Hell.” “We should be grateful that he is here,” Glock said.
Glock: Now the whole world is talking about the race
In Glock’s view, Verstappen has refocused the world’s attention on German motorsports. “He’s putting the Nürburgring and German motorsports back in the spotlight. As I said before: It’s the biggest race in the world, and it takes place in Germany. Yet no one was really talking about it,“ says Glock. ”But since Max joined, it’s suddenly big news worldwide. That’s huge and really bizarre. It’s great to see that despite his packed schedule, he just comes here and enjoys it so much.“
The effects of ”Verstappen-mania” are clearly noticeable all around the Nordschleife. Glock, who is competing in the endurance classic for the second time, has noticed a change in the atmosphere at the track. “The campsites are already completely full. In my opinion, there are also significantly more Dutch fans here. You see more orange flags everywhere. Wherever he shows up, it’s packed. The fans are trying to get a photo of him. It’s absolute madness. I think this is the first time this race has been sold out. That pretty much says it all,“ says the 44-year-old.
Glock is particularly impressed by the professionalism and passion the Red Bull driver displays. For him, Verstappen serves as a ”role model for the sport.” Above all, the way he combines his GT3 races with Formula 1 commands Glock’s respect. “He puts in an enormous amount of work, thinks very carefully about the car, how things can be done better, and how the vehicle can be improved. That’s truly extraordinary.”
Verstappen is a contender for victory in Glock’s view
One special moment in particular has stuck with Glock: “The best image I’ve seen of him was last year, when everyone traveled to New York for the premiere of the F1 movie and he was simply testing a GT3 car at Spa. That really says it all.”
When it comes to sporting expectations for the race, Glock has a clear opinion. He believes Verstappen is capable of a major upset in the Eifel. When asked what he expects from Verstappen at the 24-hour race, he replied succinctly: “That he wins the race. That’s what I expect from him. As far as I’m concerned, he definitely has a chance to win.”
