Max Verstappen to make NLS GT3 race debut at Nordschleife this weekend

It has now been officially confirmed that Max Verstappen will make his GT3 race debut at the Nordschleife this weekend in the Nurburgring Endurance Series (NLS).

The four-time Formula 1 world champion will share an Emil Frey Ferrari 296 with Chris Lulham for the four-hour race on Saturday.

This comes just two weeks after Verstappen raced a restricted Porsche Cayman GT4 in the NLS to obtain a special licence which allows him to compete in GT3s at the ‘Green Hell’.

Verstappen received the licence meaning he will be gunning for overall victory for the first time, as part of a move that has been expected ever since his GT4 outing. 

“It is my passion to do these kinds of GT3 races too - I can’t wait,” said the 27-year-old, who won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last weekend.

“I’m passionate about racing, also outside of Formula 1. Every lap at the Nordschleife is a different kind of experience.

#980 Lionspeed GP, Porsche Cayman GT4 - Max Verstappen

Photo by: Jan Brucke/VLN

“The atmosphere is also really good and there are a lot of endurance fans present. 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 Nurburgring Nordschleife.

“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.”

This is also Lulham’s debut season in GT competition as the 22-year-old, who started in sim racing, contests GT World Challenge with Verstappen.com Racing.

The news has coincided with the release of the preliminary entry list that was announced on Wednesday.  It won’t be Verstappen’s first GT3 outing at the Nordschleife though, as May saw him test a Ferrari 296 at the German track where he allegedly set the unofficial lap record.

Whether this weekend will be Verstappen’s last Nurburgring outing this year remains unclear, but it is possible given the final round of NLS 2025 takes place on 11 October and doesn’t clash with a grand prix.

This weekend’s racing will be available to watch via motorsport.tv.