Max Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing driver, delivered a commanding performance to win the 2025 Italian GP at Monza, securing pole position and showcasing his speed during the race. Following his victory at the Temple of Speed, Verstappen remained at the circuit to participate in additional testing activities, further preparing for the upcoming season.
Verstappen Engages in Post-Race Testing at Monza with Pirelli
Pirelli, the official tire supplier for Formula 1, announced that a tire test would take place at Monza immediately after the Italian GP, involving three teams: Red Bull Racing, Aston Martin, and Racing Bulls. Verstappen was seen driving Red Bull’s RB21 on Tuesday as part of this test, aimed at developing tires that meet the 2026 regulations requiring narrower front and rear tires. His presence was confirmed despite earlier speculation about his possible absence due to other racing commitments.
During the Italian GP weekend, Verstappen had trailed McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the practice sessions. However, Red Bull made strategic adjustments to the RB21’s setup for qualifying, allowing Verstappen to clinch pole position. In the race itself, he initially engaged in a close battle with Norris but eventually pulled away to win by nearly 20 seconds, demonstrating his dominance over the McLaren drivers.
Upcoming Nordschleife Nurburgring Endurance Series Debut
With Formula 1 entering a two-week hiatus before the Azerbaijan GP in Baku, Verstappen is preparing for a new challenge by making his debut in the Nurburgring Endurance Series (NLS) this weekend. Racing under the pseudonym Franz Hermann in GT3 cars, Verstappen is set to compete in the seventh round of the NLS championship.
Reports indicate Verstappen will be driving the Ferrari 296 GT3 for Emil Frey Racing, contingent on obtaining the proper license from the German Motor Sport Federation (DMSB). To qualify, he must complete a DMSB Academy course followed by an examination to secure a level B permit, which authorizes him to race category B vehicles. He is also linked with the Lionspeed team, potentially driving a Porsche Cayman GT4 CS during the event.
The DMSB typically requires drivers to have two classified finishes with at least 14 laps completed to qualify for a level A license, but exceptions can be made after a single assessed race. This could allow Verstappen to compete at the NLS in the Ferrari 296 GT3 this weekend without delay.
Significance and Next Steps for Verstappen
Max Verstappen’s dedication to additional testing after his Italian GP triumph highlights his commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to the evolving F1 regulations. His participation in Pirelli’s tire development program could give Red Bull a competitive edge heading into the 2026 season. Meanwhile, branching out to endurance racing at the legendary Nordschleife circuit offers Verstappen a chance to broaden his racing experience beyond Formula 1.
This weekend’s Nurburgring event will serve as a critical test of Verstappen’s skills in a different racing discipline and could influence future cross-category racing engagements. Meanwhile, Red Bull will likely benefit from the data collected in the Monza tire tests as they prepare their car for next year’s narrower tires, ensuring Verstappen remains a strong contender in the seasons ahead.
