Exclusive: Max Verstappen keen to avoid 'superstar' status as endurance love explored

Max Verstappen has revealed how he is eager not to "act like a superstar" when racing at the Nordschleife, where he has been exploring his love of endurance racing.

The four-time Formula 1 world champion made his competitive GT racing debut at the legendary German circuit last season, in preparation for this year's Nürburgring 24 Hours.

That event took place back in May, where the Dutchman had his first experience of both 24-hour racing and driving a race car at night.

Driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for Winward Racing alongside co-drivers Jules Gounon, Dani Juncadella and Lucas Auer, a maiden 24-hour victory was looking like a serious possibility before a broken driveshaft saw the team stuck in the garage for three hours of repairs.

It ended what was a stunning display by Verstappen and his Verstappen Racing teammates, in what was a record-breaking attendance and viewing figures for the event.

Everyone wanted to experience the magic of the 28-year-old, who has brought millions of eyeballs to endurance racing, but the driver himself is eager not to be seen as the huge star.

Discussing his Nordschleife adventures this year, Verstappen told RacingNews365 during an exclusive interview: "It's probably a bit more like old school in terms of how you can enter the paddock and be close to the action. 

"Yeah, I love it. I mean, I don't want to act like a superstar or, like, you know, just because I'm a Formula 1 driver, I need to act differently. 

"I love racing, and I love endurance racing, and I love working with teammates on the same car and, like, you know, traffic management, all these things. 

"Driving at night for the first time was honestly just, yeah, a fantastic, fantastic experience."