Pro driver says Corvette ZR1 could have gone 10 seconds faster in its record Nurburgring run
Published on Aug 11, 2025 at 3:14 PM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Aug 11, 2025 at 1:24 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
The Corvette ZR1 Nürburgring record could be cut by a full 10 seconds if a pro driver was at the wheel, according to track specialist Misha Charoudin.
The record-setting run was completed by a Chevrolet engineer, and lap footage shows areas where speed was left on the table.
Charoudin points to earlier braking, slower corner speeds, and a cautious approach to curbs as key factors.
If those were addressed, he says, the Corvette ZR1 could move near the very top of the track’s all-time rankings.
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Untapped Corvette ZR1 Speed
The Corvette ZR1 and its more powerful sibling, the ZR1X, recently set new Nürburgring records for American production cars, both outpacing the Ford Mustang GTD.
Charoudin, a professional racer for Bilstein and a well-known Nürburgring analyst, examined the ZR1’s record-setting lap in detail.
He found that the car avoided curbs, used wider lines through several sections, and braked earlier than necessary.
These choices added distance and slowed the car through critical corners.
Charoudin believes a pro driver could comfortably aim for a sub-6:40 lap time.
That would place the Corvette ZR1 in second position on the Nürburgring all-time list, behind only the Mercedes-AMG ONE and ahead of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS MR and Mercedes-AMG Black Series.
ZR1X Could Gain More Time
While the Corvette ZR1 was Charoudin’s main focus, he also pointed to potential gains for the ZR1X.
The current Nürburgring record for the ZR1X stands at 6:49.275, and applying similar improvements could secure its lead over American rivals, even if it still trails the overall record holder.
Charoudin suggested, without confirmation, that Chevrolet might already have faster laps on record with a pro driver and could choose to release them at a strategic moment.
The possibility gained attention after Ford CEO Jim Farley hinted that the Mustang GTD may return for another run at the track.
If this rivalry intensifies, the Nürburgring could see a series of record-breaking attempts in quick succession.
If Charoudin’s assessment is correct, the Corvette ZR1’s current Nürburgring record might be just the beginning of its full performance story.
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Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.
