The news Formula 1 fans had been waiting for months has finally become reality: Max Verstappen, four-time Formula 1 world champion, is set to make his official GT3 debut. The Dutch driver will compete in the ninth round of the Nürburgring Endurance Championship (NLS) this weekend on the legendary Nordschleife circuit, behind the wheel of a Ferrari 296 GT3 fielded by the Swiss team Emil Frey Racing. Surprisingly, the event was celebrated on Ferrari’s official website with a dedicated announcement about Verstappen’s race.
Verstappen partners with Chris Lulham for a four-hour endurance race
Max Verstappen will team up with Chris Lulham, the Emil Frey Racing regular driver and part of the Verstappen.com Racing program, for a four-hour race featuring over 100 cars on the grid. The 27-year-old obtained his license to compete on the Nordschleife just two weeks ago, completing the final step required to take part in one of the most iconic endurance motorsport events.
Max Verstappen’s words in Ferrari’s official announcement
Interest in Max Verstappen’s GT3 debut first sparked in May when the Red Bull champion tested the Ferrari 296 GT3 at the Nürburgring under the pseudonym Franz Hermann. That test fueled speculation about his future outside Formula 1, and now the decisive step has been taken.
Max Verstappen stated: “Participating in GT3 races like this is a huge passion of mine. I’m really looking forward to it. I love racing, even outside Formula 1. Every lap on the Nordschleife is an incredibly special experience. The atmosphere is amazing, and there are so many endurance racing fans. My hobby is driving in categories outside Formula 1. My dream is to one day take part in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring on the Nordschleife.”
A historic collaboration between Verstappen and Emil Frey Racing
The partnership between Max Verstappen and Emil Frey Racing marks a historic moment: a Formula 1 world champion at the wheel of a Ferrari GT3 on one of motorsport’s most iconic circuits. And the dream remains the same for fans: to see Verstappen one day in the iconic red Ferrari suit, representing Maranello on the track.
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