Verstappen Breaks 50-Year Nordschleife Record on GT3 Debut

Max Verstappen and Chris Lulham made history today, winning the NLS race at the Nordschleife and setting a new record. Starting third, Verstappen immediately seized the lead in Turn 1, dominating his two-hour stint before handing the Ferrari 296 GT3 to Lulham, who then secured victory at the 'Green Hell.' This win marks the first time since 1977 that drivers have won on their Nordschleife debut (excluding the series' inaugural race).

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's dominance isn't limited to Formula 1. This historic NLS victory on his GT3 debut at the legendary Nordschleife underscores his exceptional versatility and raw talent across different racing disciplines. It also highlights his ambition to compete in endurance racing, potentially setting the stage for a future 24 Hours of Nürburgring appearance.

The Details:

• Historic Debut Win: Verstappen and Lulham became the first duo since 1977 to win on their NLS Nordschleife debut, a remarkable achievement that underscores their immediate synergy and pace.
• Dominant Performance: Verstappen qualified third but quickly took the lead in Turn 1, building a substantial gap during his two-hour opening stint.
• Team Effort: After Verstappen's strong start, Chris Lulham took over the #31 Ferrari 296 GT3 and expertly maintained their lead to secure the victory.
• Verstappen's Satisfaction: Post-race, Verstappen expressed his delight, stating, “It was great! During my first two stints, the car was amazing.” He attributed the success to good car setup in dry conditions, effective traffic management, and mistake-free driving.
• Future Ambitions: Verstappen openly shared his desire to compete in the prestigious 24 Hours of Nürburgring, acknowledging the need for more experience and hoping to enter additional NLS races next year to prepare.

What's next:

Verstappen's successful GT3 debut on the Nordschleife fuels speculation about his future in endurance racing. His expressed interest in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring suggests that this NLS victory might just be the beginning of a new chapter in his already illustrious career. Fans will be eager to see if he can integrate more GT3 outings into his demanding F1 schedule, potentially adding another dimension to his racing legacy.