Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is set to make his GT3 racing debut this weekend in the 57th ADAC Barbarossa Prize at the renowned Nürburgring Nordschleife. The event marks Verstappen’s first official GT3 competition following the recent approval of his DMSB Grade A Permit, acquired after a qualifying run in a Porsche Cayman GT4 CS just two weeks ago.
The Dutch driver will take the wheel of the Emil Frey Racing Ferrari 296 GT3, joining teammate Chris Lulham among a competitive field of 110 entrants. Verstappen had previously attracted attention when he tested the same Ferrari GT3 car under the alias ‘Franz Hermann’ at the Nordschleife, where he reportedly set a new lap record.
Detailed Timetable for the 57th ADAC Barbarossa Prize Event
The live coverage for spectators begins on Saturday, September 25, with Motor Sport streaming the action from 7:15 a.m. BST. Qualifying sessions start shortly after at 7:30 a.m. and continue until 9 a.m., setting the grid positions. A scheduled pitwalk will take place at 9:20 a.m., providing fans access to the teams and cars.
Following the pit walk, cars will assemble on the grid at 10:10 a.m. The main race is slated to start at 11:00 a.m., featuring comprehensive, uninterrupted broadcast coverage of the four-hour endurance competition.
Weather Expectations for Qualifying and Race Day at Nürburgring
Qualifying will commence at 7:30 a.m. BST (8:30 a.m. local time) under mostly sunny intervals with temperatures expected to rise from 8°C to 10°C. The probability of rain during this session remains low at 10 percent. For the race beginning at 11:00 a.m. BST (12:00 p.m. local), conditions are forecasted to be cloudy with increasing chances of rain, starting at 30 percent and rising to 40 percent as the event progresses.
Temperatures during the race will be cooler, stabilizing around 13°C, with wind speeds remaining calm at approximately 5 mph, which may influence track and tire conditions throughout the duration.
How to Watch the 57th ADAC Barbarossa Prize Live and Free
Fans can watch the entire race live without charge via Motor Sport.TV starting at 10:15 a.m. BST. Additionally, the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie YouTube channel will provide live streaming of the event. Commentary will be available in both English and German during the race, with onboard cameras and live timing enhancing the viewing experience. However, during qualifying, only German commentary will be provided.
Max Verstappen’s Rising GT3 Profile Amid Racing Community Buzz
The entry of Verstappen into GT3 racing has generated notable anticipation given his high-profile status in F1 and prior motorsport achievements. His association with Emil Frey Racing and the iconic Ferrari 296 GT3 introduces a fresh dynamic to the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie, a series known for its fierce endurance races.
Following his highly secretive test runs as ‘Franz Hermann’ that set lap-record expectations, Verstappen’s debut raises the stakes for both seasoned teams and fans alike, offering insight into his adaptability beyond Formula 1 circuits.
“That test at the Nordschleife was a revelation, and we’re excited to see what Max brings to the grid alongside experienced teammates,” ?Chris Lulham, Racing Driver
