Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is currently testing at the Nurburgring as he gears up for his GT3 debut later this weekend, marking a significant step in his racing career. To gain his A Permit for the track, Verstappen previously raced a Porsche Cayman in a GT4 event earlier this month, and he is now set to compete in a Ferrari 296 GT3 with Emil Frey Racing during this weekend’s event.
Verstappen’s Path to GT3 Competition
Max Verstappen’s ambitions to compete in GT3 racing have been clear, requiring him to pass a challenging written exam before his earlier GT4 participation in September. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed that Verstappen will be competing in the prestigious 24-hour race at the Nordschleife Nurburgring next year. This weekend’s race is part of his preparation for that endurance event.
Leading up to the ADAC Barbarossapreis on Saturday, Verstappen has been pictured during testing sessions at the Nurburgring alongside Emil Frey Racing, as reported by GPFans journalist Vincent Bruins.
Details of Verstappen’s Previous GT3 Testing
Although this weekend will be Verstappen’s official GT3 race debut, he has already spent time testing the Ferrari 296 GT3 extensively. In May, he took part in test and setup sessions for the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), driving the 600-horsepower Ferrari 296 GT3 around the Nordschleife. To maintain discretion, Verstappen competed under the pseudonym Franz Hermann and employed personal security to restrict external photographers during the private test.
The upcoming Nurburgring 24-hour race is scheduled for May 14 to 17 next year, perfectly positioned on the calendar between the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix.
Verstappen’s Broader Racing Interests
Beyond Formula 1, Verstappen’s enthusiasm for motorsport is well known. He owns Verstappen.com Racing, a competitive racing team, and also runs Team Redline, a sim racing organization. His diverse involvement in racing demonstrates his passion and commitment to motorsport across various disciplines.
“Verstappen has shown great commitment in preparing for his GT3 involvement, including passing rigorous licensing requirements.” – Helmut Marko, Red Bull advisor
“His private test sessions at the Nordschleife were highly controlled, with security measures in place to limit outside interference.” – Vincent Bruins, GPFans journalist
Max Verstappen is testing with Emil Frey Racing at the Nürburgring today before his GT3 debut in the 57. ADAC Barbarossapreis on Saturday. The legendary and always enthusiastic Pavel Nahodil is of course present, here seen getting to work on the right front tire.
📸 Gruppe C pic.twitter.com/hdYow9K7xq
— Vincent Bruins 🧡 (@VincentJBruins) September 26, 2025
