Team Verstappen stops at Zandvoort before heading to the Nürburgring

Team Verstappen, the new entrant in the NLS2 series, was spotted at Zandvoort this week, fine‑tuning its Mercedes AMG GT3 before shipping the car to the Nürburgring Nordschleife – the legendary “Green Hell” – for the weekend’s race.

Why it matters:

• The Nordschleife is the toughest test of any GT3 car; a solid shakedown can shave seconds off lap times and boost reliability for the grueling 24‑hour format.
• Max Verstappen’s involvement raises the profile of the series and signals a crossover of talent between F1 and GT racing, attracting sponsors and fans alike.
• The partnership with Winward Racing gives the fledgling team access to seasoned engineering support, crucial for a competitive debut.

The details:

• Social proof – Jules Gounon posted Instagram clips of the Mercedes AMG GT3 being driven around Zandvoort, confirming the car’s final setup work.
• Driver lineup – The three‑car entry will feature Jules Gounon, Daniel Juncadella, and Max Verstappen, all under the Winward Racing umbrella.
• Schedule – Verstappen will skip Zandvoort, flying to the Nürburgring Thursday evening for a full‑day test on Friday. Qualifying and the race are slated for Saturday.
• Technical focus – Teams are concentrating on brake cooling, suspension geometry, and aerodynamic balance to cope with the Nordschleife’s elevation changes and high‑speed corners.

What's next:

• Friday test – Expect a data‑rich session as Verstappen pushes the AMG GT3 through the 20.8‑km circuit, fine‑tuning setup for qualifying.
• Saturday showdown – The three‑car lineup will compete in the NLS2 race, with points up for grabs that could shape the early championship standings.
• Long‑term outlook – Successful performance could cement Team Verstappen’s place in GT racing and open doors for further collaborations between F1 stars and endurance teams.