Max Verstappen to Debut in GT3 NLS Race at Nurburgring Nordschleife This Weekend

Max Verstappen is set to expand his racing commitments this weekend as he makes his GT3 debut at the Nurburgring Nordschleife. The four-time Formula 1 world champion will compete in the Nurburgring Endurance Series (NLS), sharing a Ferrari 296 GT3 with British driver Chris Lulham. The event marks Verstappen’s first official race in the GT3 category and forms part of his preparations for a planned entry into the Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2026. The Dutchman will represent Verstappen.com Racing in partnership with Emil Frey Racing for the ninth round of the NLS. The four-hour race will feature a grid of 110 cars, offering Verstappen the opportunity to test himself against experienced endurance drivers and established GT3 squads.

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To line up on the Nordschleife, Verstappen obtained the DMSB Permit Nordschleife, a licence required for participation on the circuit. Securing it involved both classroom and on-track sessions, including laps with an instructor, theory lessons, and a qualifying race in a Porsche Cayman GT4. He also carried out simulator preparation and tested the Ferrari 296 GT3 earlier in the season, running under an alias to maintain a low profile ahead of his debut.

The Nurburgring Nordschleife, a 20.8km layout widely regarded as one of the most demanding tracks in the sport, is known for its high-speed sections, unpredictable nature, and complex challenges. Verstappen has acknowledged that driving the circuit requires complete concentration, with little margin for error across its multiple corners and elevation changes.

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Fans can follow his progress live via online broadcasts with including the four-hour main race. For Verstappen, the outing represents a new phase in his career as he transfers skills from Formula 1 into endurance racing. His performance this weekend will serve as an important benchmark ahead of his longer-term endurance racing ambitions.