Formula 1’s four-time world champion Max Verstappen is poised to conquer a new frontier this weekend, making his official debut in endurance racing at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife. The Dutch superstar, known for his precision on single-seater circuits, will trade his Red Bull RB21 for a Porsche Cayman GT4 CS as he navigates the infamous “Green Hell” in the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS). But first, he’ll need to earn his stripes under his real name—no pseudonyms like his previous “Franz Hermann” guise allowed.
Verstappen’s entry into the NLS marks a thrilling side quest amid his packed F1 schedule, coming just two weeks after his dominant victory at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. As a rookie on the 20.8-kilometer Nordschleife track, Verstappen must complete mandatory theoretical training and a practical test on Friday, September 12, before competing in a support race on Saturday, September 13. This debut run in the GT4 Porsche is essentially a proving ground: passing the “Nordschleife License” exam will unlock his participation in the series’ ninth round on September 27, where he’ll pilot a Ferrari 296 GT3 for Emil Frey Racing—his first official GT3 outing on the circuit.
The move underscores Verstappen’s insatiable appetite for racing challenges. Earlier this year, he tested a GT3 car at the Nürburgring under the alias “Franz Hermann,” a nod to privacy amid his F1 stardom. However, NLS regulations require full disclosure for licensing, forcing the 27-year-old to go public. “It’s a new adventure,” a source close to Verstappen told Auto Motor und Sport, highlighting his excitement for the endurance format’s demands on stamina and strategy, contrasting the high-speed sprints of Formula 1. The Nordschleife, with its 73 corners and unpredictable weather, has long been a bucket-list track for Verstappen, who has voiced ambitions for events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Fans and insiders are buzzing about the crossover. McLaren CEO Zak Brown recently quipped about potentially teaming up with Verstappen for endurance races, praising his Nürburgring exploits: “He’s an incredible driver, not a four-time champion for nothing.” Emil Frey Racing, a Swiss powerhouse in GT series, will provide the Ferrari machinery, adding prestige to what could be a podium contender given Verstappen’s adaptability. The team has already teased the possibility with AI-generated images of “Franz Hermann” in action, fueling speculation on social media.
This weekend’s events come at a pivotal time for Verstappen, who leads the F1 Drivers’ Championship by a slim margin heading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 22. Balancing the two disciplines won’t be easy, but Verstappen’s history of simulator mastery and tireless work ethic suggests he’ll thrive. If successful, this debut could pave the way for more endurance forays, blending his F1 prowess with the grit of GT racing.
As the orange army prepares to chant his name amid the Eifel mountains, the Nürburgring awaits its latest conqueror. Verstappen’s endurance era begins now—expect nothing less than a masterclass.
