Max Verstappen is all set to race in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Series (NLS) this weekend at the Nürburgring Nordschleife behind the wheel of a Ferrari 296 GT3. This marks the beginning of a new racing chapter in his life, away from the world of Formula One.
The four-time world champion was at the Nürburgring before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend for a test to secure his GT3 Permit A license. He raced in a tuned-down version of the Porsche Cayman GT4 car.
He is eligible to race in the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours. However, before that, he will race alongside British driver Chris Lulham with the Emil Frey Racing team this weekend, and his Ferrari 296 GT3 car will sport the Verstappen.com x Red Bull livery.
What is the schedule for Max Verstappen’s NLS race?
08:30 AM CET – Qualifying
11:42 AM CET – Formation Lap
12:00 PM CET – Race Start
4:00 PM CET – Race finish
Where to watch Max Verstappen’s Nürburgring race?
The live race can be watched on the Nürburgring official channel. In addition, fans can also watch via Sky Sports F1’s YouTube channel and Motorsport TV.
The Dutchman enters the event in top form tomorrow, having won the last two F1 races at Monza and Baku. Revealing that the Nürburgring was at the top of his list of tracks to race on, he said:
“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.”
Speaking about his debut GT3 race and revealing his dream of eventually participating in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, Verstappen added:
“It is my passion to do these kinds of GT3 races too. I can’t wait! 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.
“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.”
After the Nürburgring race, Verstappen will resume his F1 duties at the Singapore Grand Prix the following weekend. Given his recent back-to-back victories, his chances of securing a championship have now risen, although the prospect is close to impossible, unless both McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri face considerable setbacks in the upcoming races.