A driver was taken to hospital after being involved in a huge crash at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, which Max Verstappen recently deemed ‘too dangerous’ for F1. The legendary circuit spans nearly 13 miles in length and is known for being arguably the toughest track in motorsport. Nicknamed the Green Hell, it has gained a formidable reputation for its intimidating layout and unforgiving nature.
Over the weekend, it staged the Nurburgring 24 Hours which saw a driver rushed to hospital after a frightening accident. In the second half of the race, Kevin Estre was behind the wheel of the leading Porsche when he made contact with the Aston Martin being driven by Rolf Scheibner. It caused a huge mess, with the Aston Martin hitting a barrier at speed before flipping over several times.
It eventually came to a stop near the edge of the circuit with the vehicle still upside down. Scheibner was taken to hospital for precautionary checks due to the severity of the accident, but he was reportedly unharmed.
Estre, meanwhile, was handed a 100-second penalty for his role in the crash. His team opted not to serve it before the end of the race, though, instead holding position until the chequered flag while appealing the verdict.
Their protest was ultimately rejected, meaning they ended up missing out on victory despite crossing the line in first place. It saw the honours go to the BMW driven by Augusto Farfus, Jesse Krohn, Raffaele Marciello and Kelvin van der Linde.
It comes just days after Verstappen insisted the Nurburgring Nordschleife was far too dangerous to host a modern F1 race. It was a regular feature on the calendar until 1976, after which it was removed due to safety concerns.
“That’s really not going to happen with the Formula One cars we have now, I’m afraid,” said Verstappen when asked for his thoughts on a possible F1 return.
“With GT3 speed it is okay and still doable. I have seen old footage now and then, also of Formula One on the Nordschleife. One thing is for sure: F1 there, that will never happen again. Far too dangerous.”
Verstappen has made no secret of his love for the Nordschleife, having recently taken part in a private test at the circuit under the pseudonym Franz Hermann. He ended up setting a lap record, turning heads with an immense display of skill and bravery.