Verstappen – Foto: Instagram
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen won his first GT3 race on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Nurburgring-Nordschleife circuit in Germany. The event, part of the Nurburgring Endurance Series (NLS), marked the Dutchman’s debut in high-performance touring cars, driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 for the Emil Frey Racing team. Starting third, Verstappen took the lead on the first corner and built a significant gap before handing the car to teammate Chris Lulham, who secured the victory. The achievement highlights the driver’s versatility, already dominant in F1.
The race, the 57th ADAC Barbarossa Prize, was held on the legendary 20.8-km track, nicknamed the “Green Hell” for its complexity. Verstappen completed his stint with over a minute’s lead, showcasing an unbeatable pace.
- The race lasted four hours.
- Verstappen teamed up with British driver Chris Lulham.
- The Ferrari 296 GT3 outperformed rivals like Porsche and BMW.
The second-placed team finished 24 seconds behind after Lulham managed the gap.
Preparation for the debut
Verstappen prepared for the race by obtaining a special license in early September. He competed in a prior NLS event, driving a Porsche Cayman GT4 CS. The car, less powerful than GT3 models, had performance restrictions like reduced power and added ballast.
This experience was crucial to meet the GT3 license requirements, enabling his participation in Saturday’s race.
Dominant performance on track
In qualifying, Verstappen secured third on the grid. At the start, he overtook rivals to take the lead. During his stint, he built a lead of over a minute.
His strong pace impressed experts, who noted his quick adaptation to touring cars. Lulham, taking over, faced pressure but held the lead.
The victory solidified Verstappen’s ability to excel outside F1, where he has four world titles.
Challenging Nurburgring layout
The Nurburgring-Nordschleife is known for its 73 corners and elevation changes. The track demands precision and endurance from drivers. Verstappen, despite being a GT3 rookie, mastered the circuit.
The event drew thousands of spectators who filled the stands to watch the champion.
Current Formula 1 season
In F1, Verstappen is third in the 2025 Drivers’ Championship with 255 points. He recently won consecutive races in Italy and Azerbaijan.
The gap to leader Oscar Piastri (324 points) has narrowed. Lando Norris, with 299 points, is second.
His GT3 participation does not affect the F1 schedule but shows Verstappen’s interest in other racing categories.
Future prospects
The GT3 win may open doors for further competitions. Verstappen has expressed interest in endurance racing.
The Emil Frey Racing team praised his performance, highlighting his skill on demanding tracks. The result also underscores the Ferrari 296 GT3’s competitiveness.
The next NLS event is scheduled for October, but Verstappen has not confirmed participation.
