How DTM boss Gerhard Berger proved on TV how quickly he recognises Formula 1 race tracks and what prize he had for his young challenger
Unusual TV appearance for DTM boss Gerhard Berger on Saturday evening on ARD: The former Formula 1 star was challenged by seven-year-old Laurin from near Zurich on the family game show “Klein gegen Groß – Das unglaubliche Duell”, hosted by Kai Pflaume, in which children compete against celebrities.
The goal: to recognise Formula 1 racetracks by their layouts. And to do it for time, too. The young fan of Max Verstappen indeed proved to be a connoisseur and was always ahead, but on the last question of all, Berger recognised the Formula 1 circuit of Spa-Francorchamps in a flash and overtook his little rival by one point.
Thus, the 210-time Grand Prix participant and ten-time winner won the duel by a hair’s breadth, but he was quick to offer consolation and had a surprise prize in store for the young fan: He will be allowed to attend a DTM race of his choice live on site with his family and two friends.
“And then we’ll sit down in a DTM race car one day,” Berger promised the young Formula 1 expert, who even recognised race tracks like Adelaide, where no Formula 1 races have been held since 1995, after a few turns.
Even apart from his own duel, Berger cut a good figure at the show and guessed correctly on most of the bets. He donated the entire winnings of 30,000 euros to Red Bull’s Wings for Life Foundation, for which he himself is an ambassador and which strives to heal paraplegics.