Verstappen’s Dominant Nürburgring GT3 Win Deemed ‘Inevitable’ by Rivals

Max Verstappen, partnered with Chris Lulham, secured a commanding debut GT3 victory at the NLS Series in the #31 Emil Frey Racing Ferrari 296 GT3. Starting from third, the four-time Formula 1 world champion quickly seized the lead, building a lead of over a minute in his two-hour stint. This dominant performance led rivals to label his win as ‘inevitable’.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's immediate and overwhelming success in a new racing discipline, specifically GT3 on the challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife, underscores his exceptional driving talent beyond Formula 1. It solidifies his reputation as a generational talent capable of adapting and dominating across various motorsport categories, elevating the profile of any series he competes in.

The Details:

• Dominant Performance: Verstappen stormed from third to first at the opening corner, establishing a lead of over a minute during his two-hour stint. Lulham then closed out a 20-second victory.
• Rivals' Reactions: Ford Mustang GT3 driver Frank Stippler, who finished third, stated that Verstappen is "the best track driver in the world" and found discussions about his lap times "laughable," asserting that winning was the "only logical outcome."
• Praise from Experts: Fellow Dutchman Jeroen Bleekemolen highlighted Verstappen's overwhelming pace, estimating that if translated to a 24-hour race, it would equate to a one-and-a-half-lap lead. Five-time Nürburgring 24 Hours winner Timo Bernhard called Verstappen's drive "emotional" and praised his respectful approach to the Nordschleife.
• Award Recognition: The victory earned Verstappen the inaugural 'Fahrer des Tages' (Driver of the Day) award.

What's Next:

Verstappen, who recently turned 28, has openly expressed his desire to compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours. While he aims for it, he acknowledges the need for more experience before tackling the endurance classic, suggesting a potential future return to the circuit in GT3 machinery.

• His performance has undoubtedly strengthened his case and generated considerable anticipation for his eventual participation in the challenging 24-hour race.