DTM engineer amazed by Max Verstappen’s ‘unreal’ performance

DTM engineer Graziano Michelacci was shocked witnessing Max Verstappen's exceptional driving skills.

DTM engineer amazed by Max Verstappen’s ‘unreal’ performance

Max Verstappen, Thierry Vermuelen's DTM car (images via IMAGO)

As 2024 Formula 1’s summer break was announced the sport came to a pause for a month for the teams to take the rest. However, some drivers like Max Verstappen would still not leave their passion of driving. The 26-year-old in his new documentary ‘Verstappen Off The Beaten Track’ with his driving skills amazed everyone. While shooting for a documentary, Verstappen tested Thierry Vermeulen’s Ferrari 296 DTM car at Mugello in Italy. The DTM engineer Graziano Michelacci was shocked by his driving skills.

In the documentary ‘Verstappen – Off The Beaten Track’, engineer Graziano Michelacci expressed his thoughts on Max Verstappen’s performance. He mentioned that he typically knows what to expect from most drivers based on their past performances. However, the Dutchman’s skill and control during the test drive in the Ferrari 296 DTM car at Mugello were surprising and far beyond what Michelacci had anticipated. This unexpected display of talent left the 52-year-old truly impressed with Verstappen’s abilities.

I usually know what to expect from certain drivers, but this was really unexpected.
Graziano Michelacci said, as reported by RacingNews365
YouTube video

Michelacci explained that Verstappen during the testing improved his lap times in an extraordinary way. He stated that this was something he rarely saw in his racing career. The 52-year-old knew Verstappen’s skills and how good of a driver he is, but was still astonished by how impressive he was. The three-time-world-champion’s abilities to handle the car so well left Michelacci in awe of his skills.

FS Video
He improved his lap times in a way that doesn't exist in real life. Even if you expect something like this from Verstappen, you're still surprised.
Graziano Michelacci added.
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Max Verstappen shocks Thierry Vermeulen’s by his quick adaptability skills

Emil Frey Racing driver Thierry Vermeulen was awestrucked seeing Max Verstappen in his racing car. He noted that while many drivers can eventually complete a fast lap, the 26-year-old can do it very quickly. Vermeulen was even more impressed that Verstappen was driving a new car he wasn’t familiar with. Despite this, the Dutchman was able to overcome any issues and immediately use his talent and experience to achieve fast lap times. This ability to adapt and perform at a high level is what sets Verstappen apart from other drivers.

Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Everyone can drive a fast lap at some point, but he is capable of it so quickly, Even though he is dealing with a new car, he can drive around the problems and use all his talent and experience to be fast right away.
Thierry Vermeulen stated

Certainly, Thierry Vermeulen’s experience of witnessing Max Verstappen’s driving skills was jaw-dropping. He was inspired by his fellow countrymen and noted he can also become like him. However, Fans can enjoy watching the new documentary featuring Max Verstappen released on Viaplay.

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