Verstappen Stuns Crowd with First GT3 Win at Legendary Nordschleife
Max Verstappen has done it again – this time away from the Formula 1 circuit. The four-time F1 world champion just won his first-ever GT3 race at the Nordschleife, creating scenes that veteran track officials called unprecedented.
The race began 30 minutes behind schedule early Saturday morning as dense fog lingered around the legendary German circuit.
Despite the delay, Verstappen showed blistering pace right from the start.
Heavy traffic during qualifying prevented him from securing pole position, but the Dutchman remained confident. “The car feels really good,” he said after qualifying. “I think we’ve got a real shot at winning this.”
His appearance at the Nordschleife two weeks ago caught many by surprise. Back then, he wasn’t even on the entry list and didn’t have the required Nordschleife license yet.
This time was completely different.
His participation in the GT3 race was heavily promoted, with Verstappen.com even releasing a special merchandise collection for the occasion. Organizers predicted a massive turnout – and they weren’t wrong.
## Fan Frenzy Creates Grid Chaos
While qualifying remained relatively calm, absolute mayhem erupted when fans were allowed into the pit lane and onto the starting grid before the race.
The crowd around Verstappen’s pit box was enormous. His car was barely visible on the grid as enthusiastic fans swarmed around it.
Track marshals struggled desperately to clear everyone in time for the formation lap. Only after fans moved to the grandstands did the pit lane return to some semblance of order.
Once the race began, Verstappen wasted no time. Starting from P3, he immediately seized the lead and built a commanding gap during his two-hour stint behind the wheel.
His teammate Chris Lulham took over and managed to maintain their advantage for a while. Despite some problems that shrank their lead, the pair had done enough to secure victory.
Verstappen joined his team at the pit wall about 15 minutes before the checkered flag, celebrating wildly as their car crossed the finish line – which explains why he was slightly late for his post-race interview.
## Playful Verstappen Charms Nürburgring Crowd
The podium ceremony showcased a more relaxed side of the F1 star. While waiting for the presentations, Dutch fans tried getting the crowd to sing “Tu-tu-tu-du, Max Verstappen.”
The German audience hesitated at first. But once Verstappen appeared on the podium, everyone joined in enthusiastically.
His chemistry with teammate Lulham was obvious to everyone watching. While other drivers tucked their trophies under their arms, Verstappen and Lulham hung theirs around their necks like Olympic medals.
Then came the traditional champagne celebration. You might think a four-time F1 world champion would be an expert at opening champagne bottles by now.
He struggled with it.
After a few awkward moments, he finally popped the cork, allowing him and Lulham to properly celebrate their impressive victory.
Will the Dutchman return to the Nordschleife for the final NLS race in two weeks? That remains unclear, as he’s not currently registered for the event.
After his victory, though, Verstappen hinted at his future plans: “I’m hoping to do more NLS races next year.”
Based on this performance, fans will certainly be hoping to see more of Max at this iconic track.
