Max Verstappen showcased his remarkable driving skills by winning a challenging four-hour race at the Nürburgring, while setting his sights on the famous Nürburgring 24 Hours event. Alongside teammate Chris Lulham, Verstappen led every lap in the Pro class during their debut, piloting the powerful #31 Ferrari 296 GT3 to a convincing triumph.
Unlike other Formula 1 stars who chose to rest during the break, Verstappen seized the opportunity to compete in the ninth round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie season. Starting from third place in a rolling start, he made a bold move at Turn 1, overtaking two rivals to take the lead early and maintain control for the remainder of the race.
Race Highlights and Teamwork Propel Verstappen and Lulham to Victory
Throughout the intense two-hour stints, Verstappen and Lulham built a commanding lead, clocking 62 seconds ahead of the nearest competitors by midway through the event. After completing his stint, Verstappen handed the car to Lulham, who skillfully defended the advantage to cross the finish line first. Reflecting on the race, Verstappen said,
“The first two stints went really well. The car performs well on a dry track, I already knew that from qualifying; we didn’t make any big mistakes, and to win here on our first attempt is obviously fantastic.” ? Max Verstappen
Looking Ahead: Verstappen Prepares for Endurance and F1 Evolution
With this victory behind him, Verstappen’s focus intensifies on future challenges, particularly the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season, which will bring new chassis and engine regulations. Notably, Red Bull Racing will debut as an official engine manufacturer in partnership with American automotive giant Ford, a move expected to shape the sport’s future significantly. Verstappen is positioned to leverage this strategic alliance.
As Verstappen aims to secure a fifth straight championship title by 2025, building on consecutive wins in Italy and Azerbaijan, his endurance racing goals remain clear. He expressed his intent to compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours but emphasized the need for further experience first:
“Of course, I would love to compete in the 24-hour race, whether that happens next year or later, but we still need more experience for that, of course,”
“That’s a given, so hopefully, we can compete in more races next year.” ? Max Verstappen
The Road Ahead: Verstappen’s Growing Presence in Motorsports
As anticipation builds around Verstappen’s next steps, his performance at Nürburgring highlights his versatility beyond Formula 1. Enthusiasts and industry watchers alike are eager to see whether he can conquer the grueling demands of the Nürburgring 24 Hours. With the combination of skill, determination, and technical support from Red Bull and Ford, Verstappen is poised to remain a dominant force across motorsport disciplines in the coming years.
