Max Verstappen to Make GT3 Debut at Nurburgring

Max Verstappen is set to make his highly anticipated GT3 debut this weekend at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The reigning four-time F1 world champion will compete in Saturday's four-hour NLS race, co-driving an Emil Frey Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 with British talent Chris Lulham. This move follows his recent acquisition of the mandatory DMSB Nordschleife Permit Grade A, a crucial step towards his long-term endurance racing ambitions.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's foray into GT3 racing highlights a growing trend among elite F1 drivers to explore other disciplines, driven by pure passion for motorsport. For fans, it offers a unique opportunity to witness one of F1's greatest talents tackle the legendary Nordschleife in a different class of machinery, potentially challenging for overall victory on his debut.

The Details:

• Permit Acquisition: Earlier this month, Verstappen secured his DMSB Nordschleife Permit Grade A by competing in an NLS round with a Porsche Cayman GT4. This permit is a prerequisite for any driver to race GT3 cars on the demanding 25km circuit.
• Ferrari 296 GT3: Verstappen will share an Emil Frey Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 with Chris Lulham. The Dutchman has already tested this car at the Nürburgring, reportedly setting an impressive unofficial lap time under the pseudonym “Franz Hermann.”
• Busy Schedule: His GT3 debut comes just a week after clinching his second consecutive F1 victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, underscoring his relentless racing schedule and dedication.
• Co-Driver: Chris Lulham, a prominent figure in Verstappen’s Team Redline sim racing squad, also earned his Nordschleife permit alongside Verstappen. Lulham is in his first season of GT competition and recently won the Gold Class title in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup finale.
• Endurance Ambitions: Verstappen has openly expressed his passion for GT3 racing, stating, “It is my passion to do these kinds of GT3 races too – I can’t wait.” He views every lap at the Nordschleife as a unique experience and dreams of eventually competing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours, possibly as early as 2026.

Between the lines:

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has publicly supported Verstappen’s GT racing endeavors, acknowledging the driver's profound passion for motorsport beyond Formula 1. Marko's own background in endurance racing likely contributes to his understanding and approval of Verstappen's multi-category pursuits, which is not always a given for F1 stars due to injury risks and focus demands. This backing is crucial for Verstappen's future plans, including a potential entry into the iconic Nürburgring 24 Hours.

What's next:

This weekend's NLS race is a significant step for Verstappen, allowing him to officially compete on the fearsome 20.8km Nordschleife in top-tier GT3 machinery. A large crowd is expected to witness the F1 star tackle the “Green Hell.” While it's his debut, given his raw talent and previous testing performance, many expect Verstappen to be a contender for overall victory, further fueling speculation about his long-term aspirations in endurance racing.