Porsche Supercup driver Wouter Boerekamps has recollected a moment which highlights how Max Verstappen is able to jump between different machinery with ease and do what "nobody" else can.
The four-time world champion will make his competitive GT3 debut this weekend at the Nordschleife, driving a Ferrari 296 GT3.
Speaking exclusively to RacingNews365, Boerekamps recalled a pivotal moment from 2020 when Verstappen first encountered a Porsche 911 Cup car at the Hungaroring – the home of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Boerekamps, who recently secured his maiden Supercup victory at Monza, was working as a driver coach for GP Elite at the time.
"Max Verstappen once drove in Budapest, I think that was the first time with a 911 Cup car. Then without ABS," Boerekamps recalled.
"He goes onto the track he arrives at Turn 1 on new tyres. He brakes and just all four wheels are stuck. Totally flat."
The cause of Verstappen's error was immediately clear, and was linked to what he had become so accustom to in F1.
"He's used to pedalling 140 kilos with a Formula 1 car. So he stepped on the pedal way too hard," explained Boerekamps.
However, what followed left those in Budapest amazed, as Verstappen demonstrated his precision, car control and awareness of the finest details.
"Our engineer was the point of contact," Boerekamps continued. "Then Max came in and asked 'how hard do you actually have to pedal?' The engineer indicated 60 or 65 bar. To which Verstappen asked whether it should be 60 or 65.
"The engineer ended up saying 65. Then he put new tyres on the car, drove it out and he immediately hit 64.8 or 64.9 bar, with the whole brake trace just being straight. That's not normal, nobody does that. Except him."
Verstappen in the Porsche Supercup?
On that day, Boerekamps observed another key detail to Verstappen's driving style, in that the majority of his steering he does using his pedals.
"And he also does virtually nothing with his steering wheel," revealed Boerekamps. "He steers in and then he steers that car with his pedals. He does everything with his pedals."
Verstappen's performance left Boerekamps hugely impressed, but also convinced he had the ability to win an F1 race and a Supercup race on the same weekend.
"I firmly believe that if Max decides next year to drive one weekend in Supercup and Formula 1 at the same time, he will simply win both those races."
He continued: "The most important thing a driver has to have is adaptability. That's what the guys I coach learn.
"Because if you adapt to your circumstances faster than someone else, then you are faster. Very simple."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look back on the Azerbaijan Grand Prix! Oscar Piastri's shock Baku crashes are a major talking point, as is whether Max Verstappen has drawn himself back into the F1 title fight.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
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