Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula One champion, made a spectacular entrance into GT3 racing during the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie’s ninth round on Saturday, shortly after securing his GT3 license. The Dutch driver, alongside co-driver Chris Lulham, competed on the famous Nordschleife circuit, capitalizing on Formula One’s off week to add another victory to his remarkable racing streak.
Starting from the third position on the grid, Verstappen quickly took the lead and extended his advantage to nearly a full minute before handing over racing duties to Lulham. The British driver maintained a steady pace for the remaining hours, ultimately finishing 24.5 seconds ahead of the competition to claim the overall win.
This success came just weeks after Verstappen’s first back-to-back Formula One triumphs in Italy and Azerbaijan, signifying a strong September run. Reflecting on his GT3 race debut, Verstappen said,
“It was great! During my first two stints, the car was amazing. After qualifying, I knew the car would be good on a dry track. Everything went well in terms of traffic, and we didn’t make any big mistakes. To win my debut race here is amazing.”
– Max Verstappen, F1 Driver
He also expressed ambitions for future endurance events, adding,
“We really want to race the 24-hour race here at the Nordschleife. If that’s going to be next year, I don’t know yet. Of course, we need more experience, so hopefully we can enter a few more NLS races next year.”
– Max Verstappen, F1 Driver
Jos Verstappen Secures Belgian Rally Championship Title
On the very same day as his son’s GT3 victory, Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, celebrated a landmark achievement by winning the 2025 Belgian Rally Championship, his first title since 2008. Competing in the East Belgian rally, 53-year-old Jos drove alongside teammate Renaud Jamoul, delivering a performance that prioritized consistency and strategic pacing.
Jos and Jamoul completed the final four stages with three third-place finishes followed by fifth place in the twelfth stage. This solid run earned them third place in their class and secured the overall championship with one rally remaining in the season.
Expressing his joy at the accomplishment, Jos Verstappen stated,
“You always try to be as prepared as possible and have the right people around you. Renaud is of course very important in all of this. We enjoy working together and it’s great to fight at the front. The enjoyment is there, and the results follow. We are competitive, which also helps us enjoy ourselves.”
– Jos Verstappen, Rally Driver
Historic Father-Son Double Victory in Motorsport
The simultaneous victories of Max Verstappen GT3 debut and Jos Verstappen’s rally title have created a rare and inspiring family moment in motorsport history. Max’s move into GT3 racing is a fresh milestone following his high-profile Formula One career, while Jos’ championship win underscores his enduring skill and competitive spirit after many years away from the top step of the podium.
This father-son success story highlights the Verstappen family’s deep racing heritage and passion across different disciplines. Max’s growing interest in endurance and GT3 competition could signal an exciting new chapter, potentially leading to more entries in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie and possibly the famed 24-hour race at the Nordschleife.
Meanwhile, Jos Verstappen’s championship serves as a testament to his lasting commitment to rally racing and teamwork, setting a strong example for perseverance and dedication regardless of age.
Double joy for the Verstappen family!
Jos has won the 2025 Belgian rally title 17 years after his last championship success. pic.twitter.com/GYNVlPXCni
— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) September 28, 2025
