Christopher Haase – the eventual winner of the second qualifying race at the Nürburgring last weekend – thoroughly enjoyed the battle with Max Verstappen. Just like during NLS2, the German and the Dutchman met on track, and a fight for the lead ensued. ‘Max was great again and drove very respectfully,’ Haase compliments the world champion.
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Christopher Haase, along with teammates Alexander Sims and Ben Green, won the second qualifying race for the Nürburgring 24 Hours on Sunday. The German had to work for it: in the opening phase of the race, he found himself in a spectacular battle with Max Verstappen. Haase enjoyed the attacks from the world champion, who had previously encountered Verstappen on track during NLS2.
‘Magnificent’
“It was magnificent again, our duel on track,” Haase reflected on the qualifying race afterwards. “It was tougher today, I must honestly say. I didn’t feel entirely comfortable because of my rear axle. Last time it felt a bit better. We still need to work on that a bit. But Max (Verstappen, ed.) was great again and drove very respectfully. Really impressive. Yes, I think it was a good show again.”
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The driver, who has started a GT World Challenge Europe event 91 times, also immediately explains why the Dutchman ultimately outsmarted him. “Max positioned himself perfectly every time. It always depends on which side you are on and how it ultimately turns out. And unfortunately, I was never in a position to gain that little bit of momentum.” Although Verstappen was able to pull away from Haase after his overtaking maneuver, it was ultimately the German driver who won the qualifying race. Due to a broken splitter, Verstappen’s team lost too much time in the garage.
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