There’s no such thing as “enough” for someone who lives and breathes passion every day. Being the best Formula 1 driver on the grid isn’t enough for Max Verstappen, a true motorsport enthusiast. His adventure in the world of closed-wheel racing begins at the Nürburgring, driving the Emil Frey Ferrari 296 GT3. The “Green Hell” was the stage chosen by the four-time world champion to get acquainted with the latest GT3 model from the Prancing Horse. It’s a car he had already tested during sessions organized by Verstappen.com, his own team that has been competing in endurance racing since last year.
For the Dutchman, the world of GT cars is nothing new. It’s not about boredom or seeking redemption after a less-than-satisfying Formula 1 season. Max Verstappen made his debut behind the wheel of GT cars years ago, when the Verstappen.com Racing project was born. A way to take his passion to a higher level, through sim racing, rallying, and now GT racing. Test days, photos of him glued to his phone following the races of Thierry Vermeulen and Chris Lulham – the two drivers leading his project – show just how invested he is. Both started from the bottom: Vermeulen with a few seasons in Porsche championships and Lulham from the world of sim racing. Today, they are GTWC Europe champions.
From spectator to protagonist
The Nürburgring showcase was the cherry on top of a project that goes far beyond the mere thrill of showing up and dominating a track right away. It marks the beginning of an investment that sees Max Verstappen stepping into the world of cars he has so far only studied from the outside. Without arrogance, incognito, and purely for passion.
“Why did I choose to race at the Nürburgring? I dream of racing in all the 24-hour events. From Daytona to Le Mans” said the four-time Formula 1 world champion, summing up the essence of his motivation. It’s easy to forget that motorsport isn’t just Formula 1 – there’s an entire universe of competitions just as prestigious as open-wheel racing. And for Max Verstappen, every galaxy is worth exploring. At the Nürburgring, the Red Bull driver began his test days well before officially signing up for the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie round. First under the pseudonym Franz Hermann, keeping a low profile, and later alongside Chris Lulham, the driver who joined him on this adventure.
Race weekend
The Dutchman impressed once he arrived at the Green Hell: starting from third position, Verstappen took the lead in the first corner and began a stunning display of dominance that led him to victory on his debut. Of course, credit also goes to his teammate Chris Lulham – and the absence of major rivals from other teams played a part – but the pace shown by the four-time world champion exceeded expectations. His closed-wheel adventure is now on hold, as the end of the Formula 1 season demands full focus for the drivers’ championship. But Verstappen’s intention is clear: to officially enter the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring.
