Max Verstappen writes off historic F1 track return: 'Far too dangerous'

Max Verstappen has conceded F1 will never return to the Nordschleife due to it being “far too dangerous”.

The historic circuit still hosts various motorsport categories, most notably for GT3 endurance competitions.

Verstappen recently had a test outing in a GT3 car around the Nordschleife, where he adopted the pseudonym 'Franz Hermann'.

F1 last raced at the track in 1976, an event that was overshadowed by Niki Lauda's fiery crash that almost cost him his life.

When asked if he would like to see the circuit make a return to the F1 schedule, Verstappen acknowledged it would not be possible.

“That's really not going to happen with the Formula 1 cars we have now, I'm afraid,” he told Formule1 magazine. 

“With GT3 speed it is okay and still doable. I have seen old footage now and then, also of Formula 1 on the Nordschleife.

“One thing is for sure: F1 there, that will never happen again. Far too dangerous.”

F1 is continuing to evolve its calendar, introducing new locations such as Jeddah, Las Vegas and Miami in recent years.

Verstappen has admitted he is not a fan of the current schedule, suggesting it would look much different if he were in charge.

“Ultimately, you hope that a motorsport culture will also develop in those countries,” he said.

“But if it were up to me, the calendar would look very different and also have fewer races. 

“Circuits that, in my opinion, deserve a 'separate status' and always belong on the calendar, purely on sporting grounds, are Spa-Francorchamps, Zandvoort , Silverstone, Imola, Suzuka and Brazil.”