In a stunning display of adaptability and raw talent, Formula 1’s four-time world champion Max Verstappen returned to the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife and conquered it on his GT3 racing debut, securing a commanding win alongside British teammate Chris Lulham in the ninth round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS).
The 27-year-old Dutch driver, fresh off earning his DMSB Grade A permit for the “Green Hell” just two weeks prior, piloted a Verstappen.com x Red Bull-liveried Ferrari 296 GT3 entered by Emil Frey Racing. Starting from third on the grid in the four-hour, 28-lap endurance event, Verstappen wasted no time asserting dominance. He surged into the lead at the first corner, methodically building a gap that peaked at over one minute and 10 seconds after his initial double stint.
“That was fun! I felt great to be back at the Nordschleife and to take the win with Chris Lulham. Until next time,” Verstappen posted on social media following the race, capturing the thrill of his latest motorsport foray.
Handing over the wheel to Lulham midway through the contest, the young Brit— who races for Verstappen’s own team in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup and is a key member of the champion’s Team Redline sim racing outfit— navigated a challenging phase marred by yellow flags and slow zones. Despite the interruptions, Lulham maintained control, guiding the #31 Ferrari across the finish line 24.5 seconds ahead of the pursuing Haupt Racing Team Ford Mustang GT3 driven by Dennis Fetzer, Jann Mardenborough, and Fabio Scherer.
“The first two stints went really well, the car worked perfectly in the dry,” Verstappen reflected post-race, praising the Ferrari’s setup. Lulham echoed the sentiment, calling the machine “amazing” and hailing the victory as a milestone for Verstappen.com Racing and Emil Frey Racing.
The triumph marks a rare interlude for Verstappen amid his packed F1 schedule, coming just days before the Singapore Grand Prix. It underscores a growing trend of top-tier F1 stars dipping into endurance racing—echoing feats by peers like Nico Hülkenberg and Fernando Alonso at Le Mans—while highlighting Verstappen’s passion for the Nordschleife’s 20.8-kilometer gauntlet of elevation changes, blind crests, and unforgiving barriers.
Looking ahead, Verstappen hinted at bigger ambitions. “Of course, we really want to race the 24-hour race here at the Nordschleife,” he said, though he tempered expectations for a 2026 entry, citing the need for more experience. “Hopefully we can enter a few more NLS races next year.” If Red Bull’s transition to the new 2026 regulations proves smooth, he may stick closer to F1; otherwise, fans could see more of the Red Bull ace in GT machinery.
For Lulham, the win bolsters his credentials as a rising star in GT racing, where he leads the Gold Cup standings in GT World Challenge Europe. The duo’s synergy—forged through sim racing and shared team ties—proved unbreakable on the track.
As the checkered flag waved under the Eifel Mountains’ mist, Verstappen’s debut victory served as a reminder: even in the shadows of F1’s glamour, the Nordschleife remains a proving ground for legends. Until next time, indeed.
