Verstappen makes GT3 debut in Ferrari at the Nordschleife
(GMM) Max Verstappen will take another step into endurance racing this weekend with his first GT3 start at the fabled Nurburgring Nordschleife.
The reigning four-time world champion has long spoken of expanding his racing passion beyond Formula 1 and is now set to contest Saturday’s four-hour NLS round with Emil Frey Racing in a Ferrari 296 GT3.
He will share the cockpit with Briton Chris Lulham in Verstappen.com Racing’s Red Bull-branded livery.
“It is my passion to do these kinds of GT3 races too. I can’t wait,” the 27-year-old said on his official website.
“I’m passionate about racing, also outside of Formula 1. Every lap at the Nordschleife is a different kind of experience. My dream is to eventually participate in the 24-hour race here.”
The Dutchman has already built up thousands of virtual laps on the 15.1-mile circuit, often described as the “Green Hell”, and tested the Ferrari earlier this year under the pseudonym Franz Hermann.
Earlier this month, he secured the DMSB Permit Nordschleife – a special license required to compete in GT3 machinery at the venue.
“This track is extremely challenging and demanding, with its enormous length and historic layout,” Verstappen explained.
His Nordschleife appearance follows a low-key outing in an underpowered entry to qualify for his permit, part of his build-up towards a potential tilt at the Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2026.
Team Press Release
Emil Frey Racing will field a Ferrari 296 GT3 for Max Verstappen’s eagerly awaited GT3 debut in the ninth round of the Nürburgring Endurance Championship. The Formula 1 World Champion will team-up with Chris Lulham in the 4-hour-race on the legendary Nordschleife after obtaining his racing license two weeks ago. Max Verstappen already tested the Ferrari in May under the pseudonym Franz Hermann, and now he is making his official racing debut.
Emil Frey Racing will compete in the ninth round of the Nürburgring Endurance Championship (NLS) this coming weekend and is set to provide an absolute motorsport highlight: the traditional Swiss racing team will field a Ferrari 296 GT3 for the eagerly awaited GT3 racing debut of Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen.
The 27-year-old Dutchman successfully obtained his racing license for the legendary Nordschleife just two weeks ago and is now facing his first official challenge in a GT3 car. Together with Emil Frey regular driver Chris Lulham, who is also a protégé of the Verstappen.com racing program, Max Verstappen will compete in the 4-hour endurance classic. Over 100 cars are registered for this traditional race, which promises another high-calibre field of competitors this year.
The Oracle Red Bull Racing driver had already attracted attention in May when he clocked up his first test kilometers in a Ferrari 296 GT3 on the Nordschleife under the pseudonym Franz Hermann. Since then, the motorsport world has been eagerly awaiting his official racing debut in GT3—and now the time has finally come.
This special event will be accompanied by an exclusive fan promotion: Verstappen.com has released a limited-edition collection of T-shirts and hoodies under the motto “For the Love of Racing.” These and other fan merchandise items from Verstappen.com Racing are available both online and at the official merchandising stand in the paddock of the Nürburgring Endurance Series.
With Max Verstappen making his debut in the NLS, the “Green Hell” will once again live up to its reputation as the stage for legendary motorsport stories this weekend.
Max Verstappen (Netherlands)*
“It’s my passion to take part in GT3 races like this too. I can hardly wait. I am enthusiastic about racing, even outside of Formula 1. Every lap on the Nordschleife is a very special experience. The atmosphere is also really good and there are lots of endurance racing fans there. It is my hobby to drive in categories other than Formula 1. My dream is to compete in the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring Nordschleife one day.”
Chris Lulham (Great Britain)
“Our debut in the NLS this weekend will be a great learning experience for all of us. The car felt fantastic here during testing, so I can’t wait to get back on the Nordschleife. The weather will be changeable and probably won’t make it easy, but I’m ready to take on the challenge together with Max and see what we can achieve!”