Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen is set to make his racing debut at the Nürburgring Nordschleife this weekend, embracing his passion for GT3 competition. The Red Bull driver will compete in a Ferrari 296 GT3 during the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) four-hour race on Saturday, marking an important step in his motorsport career outside of Formula 1.
Verstappen’s Journey Toward Racing at the Nürburgring
Verstappen, whose love for GT3 racing has been evident for some time, first tested the Ferrari 296 GT3 in May using the pseudonym Franz Hermann. Recently, he returned to the iconic Nordschleife to complete another test required to earn the license necessary for competing at this historic and challenging circuit.
Initially, these preparations were aimed at participating in next year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race, a long-standing dream for the Dutch driver. However, before that milestone, Verstappen will partner with British racer Chris Lulham to tackle this weekend’s NLS race, showcasing his skills on the legendary track.
Max Verstappen’s Enthusiasm for GT3 Racing at Nürburgring
Expressing his excitement, Verstappen stated,
“It is my passion to do these kinds of GT3 races too, I can’t wait,”
reflecting his genuine enthusiasm. He added,
“I’m passionate about racing, also outside of Formula 1. Every lap at the Nordschleife is a different kind of experience.”
The atmosphere surrounding these endurance events adds extra appeal for Verstappen, who values the presence of dedicated endurance fans. He acknowledged how racing beyond Formula 1 serves as a personal hobby, driven by the dream of someday competing in the grueling 24-hour race at the Nordschleife.
Regarding the track itself, Verstappen remarked,
“The Nordschleife is at the top of my list of tracks I want to race on, as it’s extremely challenging and demanding, with its enormous length and tight historic layout.”
Current Racing Context and Verstappen’s Position
Verstappen comes into this GT3 challenge with strong momentum from Formula 1, having won the last two Grands Prix in Italy and Azerbaijan. At present, he sits third in the Formula 1 World Championship standings, trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 69 points.
This weekend’s Nürburgring participation highlights Verstappen’s commitment to diversifying his racing experiences, aligning with his long-term ambition to master one of the most demanding circuits in motorsport history.
Background on Motorsport Coverage and Global Racing Culture
Phillip Horton, an experienced motorsport journalist who has covered Formula 1 since 2014, notes Verstappen’s expanding interest aligns with broader trends in how top drivers engage with different motorsport disciplines globally. Horton himself reflects on the evolving nature of racing coverage and the excitement around events like the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie, which attract passionate fans worldwide.
