After his dominant victory on the Nordschleife, Max Verstappen has unveiled a clear goal: in the future he wants to participate in the famous 24 hours of the Nürburgring, in which some of the world’s best GT drivers participate.
The Nordschleife, that legendary circuit on the Eifel mountain in Germany, has received a new hero. Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion in Formula 1, booked a crushing victory on Saturday 27 September 2025 in his debut race in the GT3 class during the ninth round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken series (NLS). In a Ferrari 296 GTB he shared the cockpit with the British driver Chris Lulham, and together they dominated the six -hour race from start to finish. With a lead of more than a minute in second place, they finished as absolute winners, an achievement that set the motor sport world on fire.
It was a weekend full of surprises for the 28-year-old Dutchman, who was approaching the Grand Prix of Singapore between two Formula 1 races-decided to broaden his horizon. Verstappen, who has been fascinated by Endurance Racing for some time, opted for a one -off trip in the NLS to test his skills on the notorious Nordschleife. This 20.8 kilometer -long monster of a circuit, with its 73 bends, steep slopes and blind outputs, is called the ‘green hell’ for nothing. Even for a driver from Verstappens Kaliber, this was a huge challenge. “It’s just incredible,” he said afterwards in an exclusive interview with his own media platform. “Driving the first round here was already a wake-up call. You have to be constantly alert, and the car feels so different from an F1 car.”
The race began under sunny conditions, but the weather gods threw a spanner in the works with a sudden shower browse halfway. While many competitors were struggling with aquaplaning and slip parts, the Duo Verstappen-Lulham remained cool. Verstappen, who was responsible for the first Stint, quickly built up a comfortable lead. “I practiced a lot on the simulator, but nothing will prepare you for the reality of the Nordschleife,” he later confessed. Lulham, an experienced GT driver with multiple podium places in the British GT, took over and held the Ferrari Steady. Their strategy was flawless: perfect pit stops and a conservative tire choice paid off. At the end of the six o’clock they not only won, but also made a statement. “This was a dream debut,” laughed Lulham. “Max is a natural talent, also in GT cars.”
The victory did not fall from the sky. In recent years, Verstappen has not hid his interest in other racing forms. In 2024 he already tested a Porsche 911 GT3 R on the Zandvoort circuit, and he has hinted several times on a future outside the F1. But this victory on the Nordschleife marks a turning point. Immediately after the finish, while the champagne was still splashing, Verstappen revealed his next ambition: participation in the iconic 24 hours of the Nürburgring. “Of course I want to do that 24-hour race here,” he told journalists with a broad grin. “It is the ultimate test of endurance, strategy and pure driving skills. And yes, we are aiming for next year, in 2026. It fits perfectly in my schedule, and Red Bull fully supports me.”
The 24 hours of the Nürburgring is one of the most prestigious endurance events in the world, which is held on the Nordschleife every year in May or June. More than 200 cars, from GT3 cars to production cars, compete for the honor for 24 hours, with thousands of spectators who watch the nocturnal chaos. Drivers such as Timo Bernhard and Nick Tandy have immortalized their name there, and the race attracts the crème de la crème of the GT world. Verstappen, who has been a fan of the Nürburgring since his go-kart days, sees it as the ideal addition to his F1 career. “Formula 1 is sprinting, this is about teamwork and perseverance,” he explains. “I want to learn from the best GT drivers and maybe lead a team. It would be fantastic to race with Chris or someone from Red Bull.”
Helmut Marko, the Stoic adviser of Red Bull Racing, confirmed the rumors earlier this month. “Max is ready for the 24 hours in 2026,” he said in an interview with Motorsport.com. “We have the FIA approval for its GT activities, and it fits in with our wider program. He has proven that he can deal with the pressure of endurance racing.” Red Bull, which is already involved in GT projects, could set up a factory team, possibly with a Ferrari partnership after this successful test. The rumor mill is running at full speed: could Verstappen control a factory ferrari, or does he opt for a Porsche, his favorite brand outside the track?
The impact of Verstappens adventure extends beyond the Eifel. His presence on the Nordschleife attracted a record number of spectators, and the live stream broke viewing figures on YouTube and Twitch. For the NLS organizers it is a gold mine: “Max brings the sport to a new audience,” says Series director Walter Vogel. Critics, who fear his F1 focus, are comforted by Verstappen’s calm reaction: “This is my passion. It makes me a better driver, not worse.” His father Jos, himself a Nürburgring veteran, fully supports the plan. “He has it to win,” he tweet after the race.
While the Formula 1 world is preparing for Singapore, Verstappen is already dreaming of the long night on the Nordschleife. With four F1 titles in his pocket and now a GT3 victory in the pocket, the Dutchman positions himself as a versatile champion. The 24 hours of the Nürburgring await, and if someone can tame hell, it’s Max Verstappen. Whether it will be 2026 or later, one thing is certain: De Groene Hell has found a worthy challenger. Motorport history writes a new chapter, and it is written in Oranje.
