Verstappen revels in Nordschleife GT3 experience

Max Verstappen says racing at the Nordschleife in a GT3 car “definitely doesn’t hurt” when it comes to sharpening his skillset, after his victory in the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie.

The defending Formula 1 champion followed his win in Baku with a race weekend at the Nordschleife, winning the endurance race in a Ferrari 296 GT3 that was operated by Emil Frey Racing and ran in a Verstappen.com Racing / Red Bull livery. Verstappen isn’t sure if there’s a direct benefit to his F1 duties, but sees no downside to racing other machinery.

“It was a lot of fun,” Verstappen said. “We’ve been preparing for that for a while, and it was just two very nice days. Again, racing a bit in the wet, in the dry, just getting more and more experience was nice. And then of course to win it, that’s extra bonus.

“Does it make me a better driver? I’ve been doing this already for so many years on the simulator, so me doing it now in real life is not very different. But it definitely doesn’t hurt, I think I can say that.”

Verstappen won’t compete again at the Nordschleife this year but says he is interested in a return in 2026, with the 24-hour race also on his radar.

“It depends on a lot of things, to be honest,” he said. “It depends on F1, first of all. I’m suspecting of course that with the rules next year, it’s going to be very complicated to start with – some unknowns anyway – so it will probably be a little bit more hectic than the end of a regulation where things are more straightforward.

“Also, the program of the GT3 team, which car we’re going to race next year, stuff like that. A lot of things have to come together before I can really plan it well in advance for just my drivers already in the team, plus myself.

“For sure, we want to be back there. I just don’t know at the moment how much or how many races I can do next year. But if there is an opportunity and I feel good about it, plus whatever is happening in F1, then for sure.

“F1 of course is still my main goal. Yeah, it’s a lot of races, but it’s also what I signed up for. For me, it’s not something that I’m sad about or disappointed with. I also know that it’s not going to be forever, doing this.

“It’s making sure that everything is well-run with the GT3 team and they’re up and running. For me, it’s quite easy if I want to jump in and participate. I think we all know 24 races is a lot. I think you miss out on some other great races, but at the same time I’m very young, so I can still catch up on those kinds of races later on.”

Verstappen’s exploits caught the eye of many of his peers in F1, with George Russell saying many were envious of the Dutchman’s freedom to race elsewhere.

“I think it’s incredible, to be honest,” Russell said. “I think we’re all pretty jealous of it. Because having this freedom, of firstly doing what you love in Formula 1, but then also being able to go out and race other things and just enjoy it at your leisure – I don’t think it’s quite that straightforward for other people doing it.

“But you have that right when you win four world championships. And we’re all here fighting to win our first. Maybe after four championships under our belts, we’ll be able to choose to do the same. But no, respect it a lot. And definitely, I would love to do it one day.”

Russell’s comments were echoed by Lando Norris, who says Verstappen’s success in a GT3 car highlights his talent even further.

“It’s cool,” Norris said. “It’s nice he can go and do what he wants. I think after you win four world championships, you have a bit more right to just go and choose what you want to do. Everyone knows how much Max loves doing all those things, and it’s nice that he goes to do something else that he enjoys.