Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has hailed Max Verstappen for not seeking "special treatment" ahead of his debut in GT racing at the Nurburgring Nordschleife.
The Austrian claimed it was "another thing that sets him apart" from his competition, following Verstappen dutifully complying with each requirement in need of satisfaction to race at the famed circuit, without exception and despite being a four-time F1 drivers' champion.
There have been calls for the Red Bull driver to be granted an exemption, given his experience and how decorated his career has been, but the 27-year-old has been more than happy to jump through whichever hoops are necessary, according to Marko.
After successfully passing his so-called 'driving test' and theory exam on Friday, Verstappen was handed his category B licence, which allows him to compete in a Porsche Cayman car.
He will participate in a four-hour race on Saturday, with a second planned for Sunday, making up the two required races to obtain his Category A permit.
However, a panel can award him one if he impresses enough during the first race. Marko feels it is "terrible bureaucracy", but was nonetheless effusive in his praise of how Verstappen has approached the steps required.
"Despite the terrible bureaucracy at the Nürburgring, he's extremely positive and goes along with everything," the 82-year-old told F1-Insider.
"He doesn't seek special treatment on his own. That's another thing that sets him apart."
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher was one of the dissenting voices. The Sky Sports Germany pundit shared his feelings with F1-Insider as well.
"The so-called wild cards exist in other sports, too," the ex-Jordan, Williams and Toyota driver said. "Max is currently the best racing driver in the world.
"So you can certainly trust him to be able to master the Nordschleife even without special driving school. Especially since he has already proven that in previous test drives, which the Nurburgring has also been keen to promote."
Verstappen qualified for the first race (on Saturday) in P27, a minute and seven seconds slower than the pole time. However, he was 18 places and 25 seconds quicker than the next-best competitor in his class.
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