Max Verstappen addresses Nordschleife danger: 'I like it'

Max Verstappen has insisted he is not afraid of the peril of the Nordschleife track, insisting he enjoys the dangers it presents.

Verstappen is back at the German track this weekend for the Nurburgring 24 Hours qualifiers ahead of the race next month.

It marks the Dutchman's second outing at the famous track this year following his four-hour race last month, when he and his team-mates were disqualified after winning the event.

While the Nordschleife is one of the most famous tracks in the world, it also sits as one of the most dangerous by modern standards due to its narrow layout and its little-to-no run-off areas.

But Verstappen insisted he is content to take such risks.

“I'm aware that I can have a bad crash there, but I'm not afraid, I like it, actually," Verstappen told ESPN. "I really enjoy driving there, it gives me a smile on my face.

“Every time I jump out of the car, I'm happy. That's also what I'm after, to be honest, to have fun. I know it's a dangerous track, but I'm happy to take that risk.”

The Nordschleife has a long history of tragic accidents and was once part of F1's world championship calendar until Niki Lauda's infamous crash in 1976.

But Verstappen does not think it is as dangerous as it once was and insists such jeopardy is not exclusive to the Nordschleife layout.

“I agree from an F1 point of view, and especially in the 60s and 70s, but the track has changed a lot, I would say, compared to then,” he said. “So, it's a bit different.

"Now, I think it's fine. You can crash anywhere. It's dangerous in a lot of different circuits. 

“This track [Suzuka] is dangerous as well. It just depends how you look at it."