Emil Frey Racing will field a Ferrari 296 GT3 for Max Verstappen’s SP9 (GT3) debut in the ninth round of the Nürburgring Endurance Championship, NLS9, this Saturday.
The multiple Formula 1 World Champion will team-up with Chris Lulham in the 4-hour race on the Nordschleife after obtaining his ‘Ring Permit two weeks ago (pictured below). Verstappen tested the Ferrari at the ‘Ring in May under the pseudonym Franz Hermann.
The race will be the first in a GT3 car for the 27-year-old Dutchman.
He’ll be joined by Emil Frey regular driver, Chris Lulham, who is also a protégé of the Verstappen.com Racing programme.
Max Verstappen (Netherlands): “It’s my passion to take part in GT3 races like this too. I can hardly wait. I am enthusiastic about racing, even outside of Formula 1. Every lap on the Nordschleife is a very special experience. The atmosphere is also really good and there are lots of endurance racing fans there. It is my hobby to drive in categories other than Formula 1. My dream is to compete in the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring Nordschleife one day.”
Chris Lulham (Great Britain):v“Our debut in the NLS this weekend will be a great learning experience for all of us. The car felt fantastic here during testing, so I can’t wait to get back on the Nordschleife. The weather will be changeable and probably won’t make it easy, but I’m ready to take on the challenge together with Max and see what we can achieve!”
*Quote provided by Verstappen.com Racing
The confirmation today of Verstappen’s entry for NLS9 comes hot on the heels of public statements from Red Bull racing’s Helmut Marko that Verstappen has been cleared by the team to take part in the 2026 Nurburgring 24 Hours.
