When Max Verstappen, the 27‑year‑old three‑time Formula 1 World Champion of Red Bull Racing, tore up the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife in a debut GT3 outing, the whole paddock practically gasped. The race took place on Saturday, 26 September 2025, as part of the NLS Endurance Series, and Verstappen’s one‑minute‑plus lead in a Red Bull‑sponsored Ferrari GT3 shocked even the most seasoned endurance drivers.
Why does a Formula 1 win matter for a GT3 race? Because it proves the Dutch driver can translate raw speed into endurance mastery – a signal that the coveted Nürburgring 24‑Hour is no longer a far‑off fantasy. Fans saw him build a massive gap after just a single lap of the 20.8‑kilometre "Green Hell," leaving the Aston Martin and Audi behind on the start‑/finish straight.
Background: Verstappen’s Road to GT3
Verstappen earned his GT3 licence only a week after clinching the Italian Grand Prix on 7 September 2025. The rapid transition from a wet‑weather F1 victory to a high‑down‑force GT3 sprint is unusual; most drivers spend months, if not years, acclimating to the very different braking zones and tyre management strategies.
Earlier in the year, under the pseudonym “Franz Hermann,” he tested the Emil Frey Racing Ferrari GT3 at the Nordschleife and unofficially shaved seconds off the class lap record. That secret session gave him a feel for the circuit’s relentless elevation changes, which proved vital when the race day rain turned the track into a slick marble floor.
- Vehicle: Ferrari 488 GT3, Red Bull‑branded livery
- Circuit length: 20.8 km (12.9 mi)
- Qualifying position: 2nd, behind an Aston Martin
- Winning margin: >1 minute after the first lap
- Race date: 26 Sep 2025
The Nürburgring GT3 Race – How It Unfolded
At the rolling start, Verstappen swooped alongside pole‑sitter Aston Martin, out‑braking the British‑run machine into the infamous "Mercedes‑Arena" corner. From there, he surged ahead, exploiting the Ferrari’s aerodynamic grip on the dry stretch while the others struggled with tyre temperatures.
Within a single lap, his lead ballooned to over a minute – a margin that would have been respectable in a 24‑hour marathon, let alone a sprint."Every lap around there feels different," Verstappen said post‑race. "The car is down‑tuned, sure, but you learn to focus on the little things – corner entry, braking points, even the sound of the engine echoing in the forest. It’s a different kind of fun."
He capped the event by crossing the finish line ahead of the podium‑finishers, a Audi squad in second and a third‑place Aston Martin. The winning margin was enough for spectators to hear the roar fade into the forest before the next car even left the grid.
Reactions from the F1 Paddock
Fellow drivers were quick to voice admiration – and a pinch of jealousy. "We’re all pretty jealous," admitted Lando Norris of McLaren after watching the replay. "Seeing Max dominate a GT3 car makes you wonder what else he could do if he gave it a full season."
Oscar Piastri echoed similar thoughts: "It’s impressive. He made the car look effortless, and it pushes the rest of us to step up our game in the off‑season."
Even veteran F1 star Fernando Alonso commented in a post‑race interview, "I’ve raced the Nordschleife in a LMP2, and Max’s lap was blistering. It shows why he’s a champion – he adapts instantly."
What This Means for Verstappen’s Career
Beyond the bragging rights, the victory is a strategic foothold. With the Singapore Grand Prix looming on 19 Oct 2025, Verstappen will jump back into F1 machinery after a hectic six‑week stretch of consecutive race weekends. "I’m not doing the NLS10 season finale," he told reporters, "I need a break after six weekends in a row."
Skipping the final NLS round – scheduled for 11 Oct 2025 between the Singapore and Austin Grands Prix – preserves his focus for the championship battle, where he currently leads but sees his rivals Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris closing the gap.
In terms of marketability, the GT3 win bolsters Red Bull’s image as an all‑encompassing motorsport brand. The synergy between Red Bull’s F1 dominance and an aggressive push into GT3 showcases a breadth that sponsors love.
Future Endurance Plans and the 24‑Hour Dream
Verstappen’s ultimate ambition, repeatedly hinted at in media days, is a full‑scale entry in the Nürburgring 24‑Hour slated for 15‑17 May 2026. The timing fits neatly between the Miami Grand Prix and the Canadian Grand Prix, giving him a natural break in the F1 calendar.
"If that’s going to be next year, I don’t know yet," Verstappen said when asked about his 2026 plans. "We need more experience, so hopefully we can enter a few more NLS races next year."
Emil Frey Racing’s team principal, Kurt Aegerter, expressed optimism: "Max brings a professionalism that raises the bar for everyone. If he decides to target the 24‑Hour, we’ll be ready to give him a car that matches his ambition."
Should Verstappen line up for the 24‑Hour, it could trigger a new era where top F1 talent regularly crosses over into endurance racing – a trend reminiscent of the early 2000s when drivers like Alain Prost and Juan Pablo Montoya dabbled in sports cars.
Key Takeaways
- Verstappen’s GT3 debut victory demonstrates his versatility beyond Formula 1.
- The win sparked admiration and envy across the F1 paddock, with notable comments from Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Fernando Alonso.
- Red Bull’s partnership with Emil Frey Racing showcases a successful cross‑disciplinary effort.
- Verstappen will skip the NLS10 finale to focus on the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix and the championship fight.
- His long‑term goal remains the Nürburgring 24‑Hour in May 2026, a move that could reshape driver participation trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Verstappen’s GT3 win affect his standing in the F1 championship?
The victory doesn’t add points to his F1 tally, but the confidence boost and media buzz could translate into stronger performances. As he returns to the grid for the Singapore Grand Prix, the momentum may help him widen the gap over rivals Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who are currently within a few points of him.
Why did Verstappen skip the NLS10 season finale?
He cited fatigue after six straight racing weekends – three in F1 and three in the NLS series. The break also allows him to focus on preparation for the upcoming Singapore race and avoid compromising his championship campaign.
What is the significance of the Nürburgring 24‑Hour for Verstappen?
Competing in the 24‑Hour would cement his reputation as a truly all‑round driver. The event tests endurance, night‑time skill, and teamwork – qualities that differ from the sprint‑focused nature of F1. Success there could broaden his appeal and attract new sponsors.
Which other F1 drivers have tried endurance racing?
Fernando Alonso famously won the 2018 24‑Hours of Le Mans and the 2021 Daytona 24, while Kimi Räikkönen took part in a few GT events post‑F1. Their forays show that top‑level single‑seater talent can transition, though few have done so while still competing in F1.
When is the next chance for Verstappen to race at the Nürburgring?
The earliest opportunity appears to be the Nürburgring 24‑Hour in May 2026, scheduled for 15–17 May. A few NLS events are also slated for early 2026, which could serve as tune‑up races before the marathon event.
Nanda Dyah
October 6, 2025 AT 03:01While the headlines celebrate Max Verstappen’s GT3 conquest, it is essential to scrutinise the broader implications for the sport’s calendar, particularly the potential encroachment on established endurance events.