When four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen made his GT3 debut at the Nürburgring Nordschleife on September 27, 2025, the motorsport community was stunned. Verstappen’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, as he quickly established himself as a dominant force in a field of experienced GT3 specialists, demonstrating an astonishing level of control and speed.
Verstappen’s Immediate Command of the Race
Max Verstappen’s transition from Formula 1s to endurance GT3 racing appeared seamless during his debut at the Nürburgring. Starting third on the grid after qualifying 3.1 seconds behind pole position, he wasted no time securing the lead, skillfully overtaking competitors at Turn One and never looking back. Verstappen delivered a commanding drive over 14 laps, steadily building a lead of more than a minute before handing over his Ferrari 296 GT3 to teammate Chris Lulham.
From the first corner, Verstappen set himself apart with precision and speed that instantly caught the attention of fans and commentators alike. A fan captured the moment perfectly:
“Turn 1? More like ‘Max 1’ – front row isn’t a suggestion, it’s a lifestyle,”
highlighting his authoritative style on the track. By the conclusion of the initial hour, Verstappen had crafted a remarkable 20-second advantage over the closest challengers, a gap rarely seen in the intensely competitive GT3 category.
The live commentary emphasized the rarity of such a lead:
Image of: Max Verstappen
“At this point in the race, with now a 20-second margin, this is really unusual in this series, that’s how clear Max Verstappen is in his Emil Frey Racing Ferrari ahead of Frank Stippler’s Haupt Racing Team Mustang,”
the commentators remarked, underscoring his overwhelming pace.
The Key Factors Behind Verstappen’s Unmatched Speed
As the race unfolded, Verstappen’s dominance only grew. Even after a pit stop lasting over two minutes at the end of lap seven, he maintained his commanding position and took the bold decision to stay behind the wheel for a longer second stint instead of handing off to Chris Lulham. By halfway through the four-hour endurance event, his lead had expanded to more than 40 seconds, with the gap continuing to widen as the laps progressed.
Remarking on Verstappen’s extraordinary pace, commentators struggled to explain the extent of his lead:
“43 seconds clear and going away. Is there a problem in terms of performance for anybody else? No not really, it’s just simply the pace of the flying Dutchman at the moment.”
Upon completing his 14-lap stint, Verstappen handed the car to Lulham with a staggering lead of over one minute, measured by more than 1:02.814 ahead of Frank Stippler’s #6 Haupt Racing Team Mustang. This margin marked one of the most dominant opening stints ever witnessed in GT3 racing.
As noted in social media coverage:
“Max Verstappen ends his stint over a minute ahead of P2. Chris Lulham, his teammate, is now in the car.”
— RBR Daily
What Verstappen’s Performance Means for His Racing Future
Max Verstappen’s overwhelming debut at the Nürburgring signals a compelling new chapter in his racing career, highlighting his rapid adaptation to endurance racing disciplines. His ability to control the pace so decisively against seasoned GT3 experts shows a level of skill and focus that few expected from a newcomer to this format. This debut not only cements Verstappen as a formidable contender in GT3 racing but also sets up high expectations for his participation in the prestigious Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2026.
The performance sent ripples through the racing community, raising anticipation about how Verstappen will continue to challenge established endurance racing specialists. As endurance racing demands both speed and strategic stamina, Verstappen’s initial showing offers a glimpse into the future possibilities for his career beyond Formula 1.
All eyes on Max Verstappen.
He took the lead and gained over a minute on his competition in his first stint of his GT3 debut. ⏱️ pic.twitter.com/qCIxQNVHEu
