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Max Verstappen Confirms Nürburgring Return After Azerbaijan Triumph
Max Verstappen, reigning Formula 1 World Champion and Red Bull star driver, has confirmed that he will once again take to the iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife this weekend as part of his growing journey into endurance racing. The Dutchman, who continues to dominate the Formula 1 scene, is clearly widening his racing horizons and pursuing new challenges outside of single-seater competition.
Earlier this month, Verstappen made his first official appearance in endurance racing when he entered the Nürburgring Long-Distance Series (NLS7). Just days after securing victory in Formula 1’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza, he got behind the wheel of a detuned Porsche GT4 Cayman, competing in the CUP3 class. Despite being a newcomer in this form of racing, Verstappen wasted no time in showing his class. He impressed fans and fellow drivers by clocking lap times an astonishing 25 seconds quicker than the next identical CUP3(G) car on the same circuit.
Partnering with Chris Lulham, Verstappen ultimately finished seventh overall in the four-hour contest, which was enough to secure him the prestigious Permit A racing licence—an important step that allows drivers to compete in higher categories at the demanding Nürburgring.
Now, fresh off his second consecutive Formula 1 victory at last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, Verstappen has confirmed that he is returning to the Nordschleife. This time, he and Lulham will step up to a far more competitive class, racing the Ferrari 296 GT3 with the well-known Emil Frey Racing team. The pair are listed in the Pro class for the Nürburgring Long-Term Series, aiming not just to gain experience but to compete for outright victory.
The four-hour endurance event is set to begin at 12:00 local time on Saturday, September 27, with a strong entry list of competitors. For Verstappen, the move represents another significant milestone in his motorsport career, blending his dominant Formula 1 campaign with a growing passion for GT racing.
What makes this entry particularly exciting is Verstappen’s connection to the car itself. Earlier this year in May, the Dutchman secretly raced under the pseudonym “Franz Hermann” at the Nürburgring, piloting the same Ferrari 296 GT3. On that occasion, he reportedly set an unofficial lap record at the famous Nordschleife, further showcasing his natural adaptability across different motorsport disciplines.
Speaking on his official website ahead of this weekend’s challenge, Verstappen made clear how much this opportunity means to him. “It is my passion to do these kinds of GT3 races too. I can’t wait,” he said. “I’m passionate about racing, also outside of Formula 1. Every lap at the Nordschleife is a different kind of experience. The atmosphere is also really good and there are a lot of endurance fans present.”
The Dutchman went on to highlight that racing outside F1 is more than just a pastime—it is part of a broader dream. “It’s my hobby to race in other categories than Formula 1. My dream is to eventually participate in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife,” he explained.
He also spoke with admiration about the unique nature of the circuit. “The Nordschleife is at the top of my list of tracks I want to race on, as it’s extremely challenging and demanding, with its enormous length and tight historic layout.”
For Verstappen, the Nürburgring offers something different from the high-pressure world of Formula 1. It combines historic prestige, unpredictable challenges, and a dedicated fan base that thrives on endurance racing’s unique culture. While the Dutchman remains firmly focused on extending his success in F1, his willingness to branch into other categories reflects both his love for competition and his appetite for new experiences.
This weekend’s race will therefore not only be a test of Verstappen’s skills in a different racing environment but also another step towards his long-term dream of competing in the legendary 24 Hours of Nürburgring. If his debut earlier this month is any indication, fans can expect another electrifying performance from a driver who is proving that his talent knows no boundaries.
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