From Franz Hermann to First Place: Verstappen Wins GT3 Debut at Nürburgring

Sports

Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen made an emphatic start to his GT3 career on Saturday, taking a debut victory in the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) with Verstappen.com Racing’s Ferrari 296 GT3. The Dutchman, partnered by Chris Lulham, converted a third-place grid start into a commanding win at the legendary “Green Hell.”

The Nürburgring Nordschleife is renowned as one of motorsport’s toughest circuits, but Verstappen appeared unfazed. Starting from P3 after a fog delayed qualifying session, the 27 year old seized the lead on the opening lap and immediately began building a gap. During his stints, the #31 Ferrari 296 GT3 run in collaboration with Emil Frey Racing extended its advantage to over a minute.

max verstappen and his team mate Chris Lulham

After handing the car to teammate Chris Lulham, the pair maintained control of the four hour race, eventually crossing the finish line more than 20 seconds clear of the nearest challenger. The result capped off what many are calling a near perfect debut.

Verstappen had spent months preparing for this moment. He first tested the Ferrari 296 GT3 at the Nordschleife back in May, running under the alias “Franz Hermann” to gain the special Nordschleife permit required for competition. That groundwork paid off with a seamless transition from Formula 1 machinery to endurance racing.

Speaking after the race, Verstappen described the experience as “incredible,” adding that every lap of the 25km track felt different. He reiterated his ambition to compete in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, a long term goal alongside his Formula 1 commitments.

Teammate Lulham praised the team’s execution and hinted at further outings for the duo. “The car was strong all weekend,” he said. “To win with Max on debut shows what’s possible.”

Verstappen’s foray into endurance racing comes amid growing crossover interest among Formula 1 drivers. McLaren’s Lando Norris has also spoken about ambitions to enter long distance events after F1, highlighting endurance racing’s growing pull at the highest levels of motorsport.

For Verstappen, however, Saturday’s result was more than a side project it was a statement. Winning on debut at the Nordschleife, a circuit nicknamed the “Green Hell” for its unforgiving nature, suggests this may be the beginning of a serious parallel career in GT racing.