Max Verstappen Conquers Nurburgring Nordschleife with Stunning GT3 Debut Victory

Max Verstappen enjoyed a winning start to his GT3 racing career by taking victory at the Nurburgring Nordschleife in the ninth round of the Nurburgring Endurance Series. Driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 for Emil Frey Racing, the reigning Formula 1 world champion teamed up with British driver Chris Lulham for what was his first competitive outing outside F1 in 2025. Starting from third on the grid, Verstappen launched straight into the lead at the first corner and quickly established control of the four-hour race. Over his near two-hour opening stint, he consistently extended the gap to more than a minute before handing the car to Lulham. The young Briton then managed the remaining laps carefully, bringing the Ferrari home with over 20 seconds in hand over the Ford Mustang GT3 crew and completing a memorable debut for the Dutchman.

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With more than 100 cars spread across the circuit, Verstappen’s switch from single-seaters to endurance racing was a test of adaptability. The Nordschleife, known as “the Green Hell,” is among the most demanding tracks in motorsport, with changing conditions and more than 150 corners across its 25km. Verstappen had put in the groundwork ahead of the event, securing the mandatory permit and carrying out private testing earlier in the year to prepare. His performance in live race conditions confirmed that his talents are not confined to Formula 1 machinery and that he could transfer his strengths effectively into a completely different racing environment.

Qualifying had been tough, with mist and damp patches reducing grip and adding unpredictability. Even so, Verstappen set the third-fastest time in traffic and lined up well for the start. Once the race got underway, he didn’t hesitate in seizing his chance, moving past his rivals into the lead at turn one. From there, his race pace remained steady and consistent, allowing Emil Frey Racing to race on the front foot. When Lulham took over, the team already had a sizeable cushion, and he managed the pace smartly to protect the lead until the chequered flag fell.

The programme was run in collaboration with Verstappen.com Racing and Red Bull, with Lulham part of Verstappen’s own driver development scheme. Between them, they highlighted how teamwork, strategy and consistency are as vital in endurance events as pure pace. That combination allowed the Emil Frey Ferrari to withstand pressure from competitors in one of the busiest and most competitive series in Europe.

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For Verstappen, the achievement represented more than a single victory. It underlined his desire to broaden his motorsport career and hinted at future appearances in long-distance events such as the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. While still focused primarily on his Formula 1 commitments, he has made no secret of his interest in pursuing other forms of racing.