Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has suggested a possible return to the Nurburgring 24 Hours following his recent first victory in a GT3 car during a race held at the German track. The 27-year-old, driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 alongside teammate Chris Lulham, showcased impressive dominance in the ADAC Barbarossa Prize event on Sunday.
Impressive Victory at the Nurburgring in Ferrari GT3
Verstappen and Lulham began qualifying with a third-place time, but Verstappen quickly seized the lead at the first corner once the race started. During his initial two-hour stint of the four-hour race, Verstappen extended his lead to over a minute, demonstrating a level of control rarely seen in this event. Afterward, Lulham maintained the advantage for the remaining two hours, ensuring the team secured a strong win and celebrated atop the podium.
The competition saw Jann Mardenborough and his teammates Dennis Fetzer and Fabio Scherer finish in second place, driving the number 9 Haupt Racing Team Ford Mustang GT3. Meanwhile, Frank Stippler and Vincent Kolb completed the weekend in third place, driving the sister number 6 car.
Verstappen’s Outlook on Competing at the Nurburgring 24 Hours
Looking ahead, Verstappen’s next major target is the Nurburgring 24 Hours, scheduled for May 16-17, 2026. After his recent GT3 success, he shared his thoughts on the race experience and the car’s performance.
“Yes, it was great. The first two stints went really well,”
Verstappen said.
“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.”
Asked about the possibility of returning for the 24-hour event, Verstappen responded with cautious optimism.
“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.”
Context and Future Prospects for Verstappen at the Nurburgring
Verstappen’s victory in the NLS series caps a strong month for the Dutch driver, who recently returned to winning ways in Formula 1 with triumphs in Italy and Baku. His success at the Nurburgring GT3 event not only highlights his versatility across racing disciplines but also fuels speculation about his future involvement in endurance racing, particularly at this iconic German circuit.
The Nurburgring 24 Hours remains a highly challenging endurance race, and Verstappen’s comments suggest a deliberate approach to gaining the necessary experience before fully committing to the event. Fans and teams alike will watch closely for any announcements regarding his participation as the 2026 race approaches.
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